The Action Democratic Party (ADP), has called on the Federal government
led by President Muhammadu Buhari, not to neglect the Private sector,
who has larger number of employees, in their palliative giving, as a
result of the lockdown, to contain the rapidly spreading novel Corona
virus.
This was contained in the reaction of the party, to the live broadcast
of President Buhari, on the need to extend the lockdown for another 14
days.
According to the statement issued on Wednesday morning by the National
Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Adelaja Adeoye, he noted that
it is commendable that, the President has highlighted the efforts of the
government so far, however that, critical sector of the economy must not
be forgotten in the provision of palliatives.
“We must prepare not only to contain the Corona Virus, but also consider
the effect of the lockdown on the employers of Labour and their
employees, who carries the largest workforce.
Some of them might resort into down sizing after the pandemic is over,
because of how bad they may have been affected. To avoid massive job
cut, the government at both Federal and State level should work out some
relief for these employers, in form of supports, Adelaja noted.
He stressed further that, these employeers, have their tax records with
the goverment, arguing that this is the time they needed goverment
supports the most, as there is a projection that, economy might
plundered, which will affect many of them, especially the entrepreneurs
and small scale businesses.
ADP also noted that, while it is appreciated that President Buhari has
increased the social benefits from 2.6 million households to 3.6
million, which shows an addition of 1 million households, there must be
transparency and accountability in the process of making these funds
available to the beneficiaries, so that the real vulnerable Nigerians
will benefit and their palliatives will not be shared amongst
politicians and their followers only.
The party, however called the attention of President Buhari, Governor
Babajide Sanwoolu and Prince Dapo Abiodun to another worrisome
development across Nigeria, especially in Lagos and Ogun State, where
citizens now finds it very hard to sleep at night, due to the increasing
rates of gang robberies, attacks and all forms of criminalities under
the guise of lockdown.
ADP said, Nigerians who are enduring the pain of lockdown, while
millions of them struggles to feed their children, are now facing
serious threat from gangs, and armed robbers who operates in large
numbers with so much audacity and gut in Lagos and Ogun State, calling
on the President to give the development a serious attention.
“We noticed that Mr. President did not mention the rising cases of
attacks against Nigerians during this lockdown, specifically in Lagos
and Ogun State, while making his nationwide broadcast on Monday evening,
it is a very serious matter, as many residents has been calling for help
on social media, while many of the videos online are very disturbing,
when these assailants invade their neighborhoods.
We are of the opinion that, security forces should not only enforce the
stay at home order, but must respond swiftly to any security threat
experienced by all Nigerians are this time.
ADP calls on all Nigerians to remain hopeful, and cooperate with all the
government agencies and departments in charge of Corona Virus, such as
National Center for Disease Control (NCDC).
To roll back and stop the pandemic, wash your hands with soap, maintain
good hygiene, practice social distancing, and be very vigilant, ADP
charge all Nigerians.
states, FCT
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent an
urgent appeal to the Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the
House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila urging them to
“immediately make a public commitment to redirect the N37 billion for
the renovation of the National Assembly complex to give N1 billion to
each of the 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as
COVID-19 direct reliefs and benefits to the country’s poorest and most
vulnerable people.”
SERAP said: “We applaud the patriotic steps and voluntary contributions
already made by the National Assembly towards fighting COVID-19 in the
country. We now urge you to make major strides to national efforts to
deal with one of the greatest threats facing the country by immediately
redirecting the N37 billion to provide direct and tangible benefits to
the poorest and most vulnerable people among us.”
In the letter dated 11 April, 2020 and signed by SERAP deputy director
Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: “Nigeria is at a crossroads
and National Assembly leaders and members must now decide whether to
continue to look after themselves and do little for the country’s
poorest or make commitment to redirect the N37 billion to help
ameliorate the suffering caused by COVID-19 restrictions.”
According to SERAP: “While some of the authorities’ responses to
COVID-19 across the country may be necessary to stop the spread of the
disease and save lives, we are concerned that the prevailing situation
has taken its toll on the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people
who continue to endure the grimmest of conditions in several states and
the FCT.”
SERAP’s urgent appeal, read in part: “We also urge you to immediately
advise President Muhammadu Buhari and Mrs Zainab Ahmed, Minister of
Finance, Budget and National Planning to urgently implement your
commitment to redirect the N37 billion to provide direct and tangible
benefits and reliefs to the country’s poorest and most vulnerable
people.”
“The money must be spent now to serve the public good. Spending the N37
billion as proposed would increase the ability of states and FCT
authorities to provide COVID-19 reliefs and benefits. It would not cause
any budget deficit. But assuming it does, it would be a good deficit, as
it would serve the public good.”
“Going ahead to spend N37 billion to renovate the National Assembly
complex even when COVID-19 is over would further undermine the social
contract in Nigeria, and hurt the poorest and most vulnerable people
across the 36 states and FCT, as it would limit the ability of the
authorities to provide much needed benefits and support to these
Nigerians, and undermine efforts to reduce the impact of the disease on
the country.”
“Giving the N37 billion to states and FCT would be in the public
interest at this time of national crisis, as it would improve the
chances of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people to live a
life of dignity while obeying authorities’ directives to stay at home.”
“Without sufficient COVID-19 direct reliefs and monetary benefits to
these Nigerians, many may be forced to turn to criminal activities as
their only perceived options for surviving. Redirecting the N37 billion
renovation fund would help to improve the conditions of the people.”
“We urge you to invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other
Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) and the civil society to monitor the spending of any
redirected funds to the 36 states and FCT, to ensure that the funds are
spent to support the poorest and most vulnerable people, such as
pensioners, people living with disabilities (PWDs), and not diverted,
stolen or mismanaged.”
“The appalling quality of life, and rapidly growing levels of suffering
among the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people are harmful to
equity and undermine respect for human rights.”
“We hope that the above would help guide your actions in immediately
acting to redirect the N37 billion as proposed. We would be happy to
discuss any of these issues in more detail with you.”
“Please accept the expression of our highest consideration. Thanking you
in advance of your urgent attention to the matter.”