Adebayo Abdulrahman
All members of the Nigerian Senate, including the three Senators from Oyo State, Teslim Folarin, Kola Balogun and Fatai Buhari, have donated 50 percent of their salaries from March to support the fight against coronavirus in the country.
The decision of the federal lawmakers to make the donation was announced by the acting spokesman of the Senate, Senator Godiya Akwashiki in a statement on Monday.
According to him, the decision was reached following a keen review of the national efforts to fight coronavirus in the country.
He stressed further that the donation will be made monthly till the Country is declared safe from a coronavirus pandemic that has killed thousands globally.
In his words, “After due consultations following a keen review of the national efforts to contain the Coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria, the Senate wishes to announce that from March 2020, Distinguished Senators will be donating 50 percent of their salaries to these efforts to stop the spread of the disease, otherwise known as COVID-19, in our country.
“This monthly contribution from the Upper Legislative Chamber will be sustained until Nigeria is declared safe from the ravages of this deadly disease.”
He added that the Senate commends the efforts of the Country’s President, Muhammadu Buhari and his administration towards the goal of securing our nation against this plague.
He also announced that the Senate commends all agencies of the Federal and state levels for working in collaboration to protect public health across the country. Adding that, “It also acknowledges the patriotic response of public-spirited individuals and organizations who have contributed in one way or the other in support of this fight.
“The Senate further appeals to the citizens to comply with the directives on social distancing and observance of basic rules of hygiene as explained by public health officials as the most effective way to protect ourselves, families and country against COVID-19.
“This is a global adversity that is testing the wit and resilience of mankind all over the world. By staying resolute and each of us responsibly playing their role, COVID-19 like all epidemics before it will soon be pushed into history.”
The decision of the members of the red chambers to donate half of their monthly salaries is part of the steps various individuals and organizations are taking to complement the efforts of the government and health agencies in the fight against COVID-19.
