House of Representatives is to embark on a two weeks break to enable the management of the National Assembly put in place measures to tackle spread of coronavirus- COVID-19 in the country.
This was sequel to a motion by a member from Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Idem Onyime, on the need to intensify collaborations with health agencies to nip the virus at this early stage of the outbreak.
Mr. Idem Oyinme observed that social and economic implications of the outbreak can be disastrous for the country in view of the enormous challenges affecting its development.
The lawmaker also stressed the need for federal government to release more emergency funds to Federal Ministry of Health to eliminate the virus.
Contributing to the debate, a member from Osun state, Mrs. Taiwo Oluga, urged relevant stakeholders in the health sector to concentrate on creating awareness in the rural areas.
Also in his submission, Minority Leader of the House, Mr. Ndudi Elumelu, called for suspension of plenary for two weeks to enable the management put measures in place to ensure that the emergency is given the seriousness it deserves.
Adopting the motion, the House urged Federal government to convene an emergency national council on health to notify health workers with measures to be put in place across the states and local governments to curtail the spread of the virus.
The House also directed the NBC to mandate all government and private broadcast stations to dedicate 15 minutes daily in creating more awareness on the virus.
However, no date for the suspension has been set.
SALIHU TSIBIRI