Covid-19: Reps donate two months’ salary to fight disease

…urge CBN to give cash grants to 774 LGs

…as Gbajabiamila bemoans Nigeria’s poor health care system, applauds doctors, others for sacrifices

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

In an unprecedented move to arrest the spread of coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria, the 360 members of the House of Representatives have resolved to donate their two months salary starting for March 2020.

Announcing the resolution of the members via a video message of hope to Nigerians amid the disease, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila said the donation will be transferred directly to the National Relief Fund account for the fight against COVID-19.

He said that the donation was however separate from other contributions of the individual lawmakers in various spheres to cushion the effect of lockdown occasioned by the pandemic.

He said: “We have in the House of Representatives jointly committed to contributing one hundred per cent (100%) of our salaries for the next two months to the fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria.

“Our contribution will support provisions for the welfare of frontline medical professionals and health workers, and other interventions to provide for the wellbeing of all Nigerians through these trying times.

“Accordingly, I have directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to see to it that all members’ salaries are transferred to the National Relief Fund for this month and the next.