Nigerian senators directed to undergo coronavirus test

Some Nigerian senators are set to undergo coronavirus test after recently returning from an official trip in Europe, according to the leadership of the senate.

Members of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources Upstream returned to Nigeria this week from a three-day international training programme, organised by Skills and Career Support Centre in London.

The programme started on March 13, and ended on Sunday, March 15.

Addressing journalists in Abuja after plenary on Thursday, the Senate spokesperson, Senator Godiya Akwashiki, said the affected senators had been asked to go for test.

He said, “Senate President urged those that just returned from foreign trip to do the test from tomorrow because as leaders we should show example to others.”

Akwashiki said the leadership of the Senate would meet with the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) if he failed to address Nigerians on the issue of coronavirus.

He said, “I want to believe that in the next one week, if he didn’t address the nation, the leadership of the Senate will engage the executive arm of government because it is a serious issue.

“I want to ask for a little patient with the President to address the nation.”

He said some senators during the closed session advocated the immediate closure of the National Assembly and the suspension of plenary but that the Senate President said it would be a hasty action.

Earlier at plenary, Lawan announced the decision of the Senate to suspend public hearings and restrict access to its chamber over coronavirus.

Lawan said, “The Senate resolves to suspend all public hearings till further notice as a result of COVID-19.

“In addition, the Senate gallery will remain closed to the public till further notice including excursions from schools and organisations from Tuesday, 24th of March, 2020,” Lawan said.

Punch