Reactions have trailed the decision of Nigeria’s House of Representatives to suspend plenary for two weeks over fears of Coronavirus. Nigerians are requesting that the lawmakers shouldn’t be paid for the two weeks since they won’t be on seat.
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The House of Representatives resolved to go on recess to avert the threat of the Coronavirus. This is despite the fact that Nigeria has not recorded an outbreak other than the Italian man, who is currently under the care of the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
The Italian was diagnosed with Coronavirus by the Ministry following his illness a day after he arrived in Nigeria. He has been isolated for observation at the Lagos State Biosecurity Facility. Aside from the unnamed Italian, there are no other known cases of Coronavirus in Nigeria.
But that isn’t enough for the lower chamber, and according to Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television, the decision is a precautionary measure but Nigerians are disappointed at the temporary suspension of activities in the House.
Just In: House of Reps suspends Plenary for two weeks over coronavirus. Nigerian lower chamber of parliament is taking precautionary measures in the face of the threat the disease poses. #CoronaVirusUpdate
— SeunOkin Channels tv (@seunokin) March 3, 2020
What are Nigerians saying
Lazy lawmakers? The announcement made Nigerians drag the lawmakers for taking “holiday” when their contemporaries in other countries are still performing their legislative responsibilities.
One Twitter user, Olasupo, said, “The laziest leadership you’ll ever see globally is from this country. Countries where Corona is killing people everyday, they’re still working, yet ours is one of the highest paid house in the world.”
The laziest leadership you'll ever see globally is from this country. Countries where Corona is killing people everyday gan, they're still working, yet ours is one of the highest paid house in the world
— Olasupo (@ollasupo) March 3, 2020
Another Twitter user, Nurlalah tweeted, “Forreal?? Countries with more cases haven’t suspended their governments from working” While Lekan Ogundele responded with, “Is this a government or a group of self-serving leeches?”
Is this a government or a group of self-serving leeches?
— Lek O🇳🇬🇬🇧 🌍 (@leks_syde) March 3, 2020
No work, no salary: While for Chris Ewanlen, the Lawmakers should not be paid for the two weeks they will be on recess.
“Two weeks salaries and allowances should be deducted from their emoluments. These people are lazy!”
Another Twitter user, SGezee supporting Ewanlen’s suggestion, stating that, “Since they are will be at home resting, then they need to suspend their salaries too. Isn’t that Fair?”
(READ MORE: Coronavirus: Cost of Chinese products in Nigeria surge)
Is there cause for concern? A Twitter user is insinuating that the Nigerian government isn’t transparent about the situation of Coronavirus in Nigeria, as some couldn’t fathom why the House of Representatives would go on recess despite the Minister of Health stating that the only known Coronavirus is the Italian man.
It is being assumed that the lawmakers know something Nigerians don’t know about the situation of the Coronavirus within the country.
“Lol even when the minister of health has confirmed there are no other cases. Hahahahaha. I hope no one is lying to no one. Lol,” Daniel Judge Okocha tweeted.
Other reactions to the recess
A lazy and irresponsible pupil would insist on not going to school at the slight of headache.
— FESTUS OGUN (@mrfestusogun) March 3, 2020
The two weeks break should go round all sectors, I wonder that they do sef
— Idowu Abiodun (@Jerryphem) March 3, 2020
Wtf, i dont blame them, even in absence they are been paid, what about the rest of the country dont they deserve thus kind of benefits .
— Amechi (@Greenwitch44) March 3, 2020
https://twitter.com/Fadimat34865588/status/1234827696963805185?s=19
Why? Our schools,offices and other institutions are still open. They are the ones pressing the panic button. Insensitive sets of people
— Olowonifela 💼 (@Olowonifela_) March 3, 2020
