The 9th Senate has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address Nigerians and allay fears of citizens amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
This is coming after the Senate placed travel entry restrictions on travellers from 13 countries affected by the deadly virus.
US, France, Canada and other countries have shut down their borders to reduce the contraction of the virus.
However, the Senate has advised Buhari to brief Nigerians on the situation of things in the country, make citizens aware of the precautionary measures put in place to avoid more spread of the virus.
The Nation reports that the resolutions adopted are “Senate should call on President to personally address this nation on this issue. Bigger countries are doing that. If he comes out, I think Nigeria will take this matter more seriously. I am not saying they are not doing anything,
“Federal Government to take more drastic precautionary measures should include but not limited to travel ban, outright ban of some countries, tighter border controls, restricted gathering, stringent checking of coming into the country, a compulsory Quarantine for two weeks.
“Urge the Federal Government and Nigerians to keep abreast of all the measures and development taking place worldwide
“Urge the Senate to give full support in fighting the spread of Corona Virus, a testing center should be opened in states of the Federation, prevent Foreign airlines from taking flights from high risk countries to Nigeria, shutdown all International airports except Abuja and Lagos to ensure proper testing and checks,
“Urge the Federal Government to suspend issuance of Visa on arrival.
Senator Danjuma Goje who applauded Lagos and Ogun government for their prompt response in tackling the pandemic has called for more drastic measures to prevent the spread of the dreaded virus.
“I believe that the Lagos, Ogun and Federal Governments have been able to contain this issue to large extent but we believe that is not enough.
“Big and powerful countries are taking drastic measures to contain or prevent the COVID-19 from entering their countries.
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“Even in Africa, Senegal and Ghana are taking serious measures. Saudi Arabia, a religious country, does not have a single case but they have taken serious measures.
“Even in the Vatican City, they said they will celebrate Easter without full congregation. Even if we think we have three cases, this thing grows gradually. That is not enough.”
Meanwhile, Senator Remi Tinubu urged citizens to take the issue of good hygiene seriously.
“Remember the case of Ebola, but we cannot be too careful to leave everything to the hands of Government. All agencies across board should sensitise people about cleanliness.
“You see people sweating profusely and wanting to give others a hug. This is the time to take our hygiene seriously. We should not live in fear but go about our businesses the right way. We need prayers for this country.”
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