The Federal Government should be swift in providing necessary relief packages for Nigerians that will be affected by the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja.
Such packages must be closely monitored till they get to the intended destinations.
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit, said this in a statement issued on Sunday shortly after the nationwide broadcast by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Describing the lockdown, in the face of the ravaging COVID 19 pandemic, as a welcome development, the Amir (President) of the group, Dr Saheed Ashafa, said the announcement by President Buhari met the yearnings of most citizens at this critical period.
“The president has really met the expectations of most Nigerians with the announcement of a total lockdown of Lagos, which is the epicenter of the COVID 19 in Nigeria, Ogun and Abuja. It is a welcome developments, and we believe the measure will assist the government in effectively curtailing the further spread of the disease.
“However, we must state the government should not delay in providing the promised relief packages for the most vulnerable masses that will be helpless with this sudden measure. Without providing the reliefs, it will amount to double jeopardy as the fear of contracting deadly coronavirus outside and hunger, caused by inability to go out to source for food, would worsen their condition,” he said.
While saluting the courage and patriotism of health workers and other ad-hoc personnel at the frontline of battling the coronavirus, Dr Ashafa urged the government to place high premium on their general welfare.
According to him, taking proper care of the welfare of these personnel will spur them to making more sacrifices and ensuring that patients get the best of attention and care.
“Ño doubt, our doctors, nurses and other health workers have been making a lot of sacrifices to contain this deadly virus, and it is on this basis that we urge the government to prioritize their welfare and ensure they get all the needed support to perform optimally.”
Dr Ashafa also noted that more centres are needed for testing the status of suspected cases in order to ease the tension created by the present adversity.
