Abba Kyari: Senate at resumed plenary consoles Pres. Buhari

…says Nigeria has lost a compatriot

The Nigerian Senate at its reconvened plenary on Tuesday mourned the passing on of the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari and other Nigerians, who were killed COVID-19, eulogizing him as a dear compatriot.

Welcoming his colleagues from month-long recess, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, lamented the gruesome effects of the  pandemic on Nigerians and the world, noting the virus had killed thousands of citizens globally.

Persecondnews reports that the senators resumed plenary on Tuesday after a five-week COVID-19 recess.

Lawan said in his address: “We have also lost many of our dear compatriots. One of them is the Chief of Staff to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mallam Abba Kyari.

“We condole with President Mohammadu Buhari (GCFR) on this painful loss, just as we mourn other citizens who have died because of the disease.”

The Senate President called on lawmakers to educate their constituents on the importance of social distancing, personal hygiene, and the need to avoid large gatherings.

“Citizens need to comply with measures like use of facial mask and reduction in movements until the virus is gone.

“It is also important we educate them on the guidelines and protocols of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on reporting suspected cases.

“The task before us is imperative and the responsibility of the legislator is even more important because of our closeness to the people,’’ Lawan said.

On the challenges of COVID-19, he assured Nigerians that the country would overcome economic challenges facing the nation as a result of dwindling revenue from crude oil sale.

According to him, the decision of the Upper Chamber to reconvene from recess is to enable us (Senate) to sustain work on solutions and to ensure that the health crisis does not create further problems that might be much more difficult to deal with.

He expressed concern that “the pandemic has affected our budget for this year, not just because of falling oil prices, but also because it has forced a reduction in economic activities, leading to an enormous loss of revenue.

On the reworking of the 2020 Finance Act, Lawan said the National Assembly has had a series of engagement with the executive arm of government on areas of adjustments for a more realistic implementation of the budget.

“We are confident that we shall soon overcome this crisis, like previous health emergencies. All hands will however have to be on deck to register a quicker and more resounding success.”