COVID-19: Senate shuts down for two weeks, Reps indefinitely

Ahmed Lawan

The Senate has adjourned plenary till April 7 in a move aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria.

The lawmakers made the decision on Tuesday during a closed-door session which lasted one hour.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, urged governments to set up special funds to assist victims of the disease.

He also tasked the Federal Government to support states in the fight against the virus.

The lawmakers observed a minute silence for the late Senator Rose Oko who died on Monday in a UK hospital.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives will adjourn plenary indefinitely after a brief sitting on Tuesday.

Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, announced this in his opening remarks.

Mr Gbajabiamila said the lawmakers would only work on an economic stimulus bill to protect Nigerians and the economy against the impact of COVID-19, after which the House would shut down.