COVID-19: Atiku Donates N50m, Says Nigerians Deserve Palliative Measures

By Moses Godonu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has donated the sum of N50 million to aid the relief for novel coronavirus.

The money he said is a contribution and relief to support the Federal Government in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

Atiku, in a press statement signed by him on Wednesday said “To this end, Priam Group pledges N50 million on my behalf as my humble contribution to a relief Fund that will form part of the stimulus package”.

The former VP hail the Federal and State Governments for taking precautionary measures in containing the spread of the virus in the country.

Atiku explained that the stay at home orders, and shutting down non-essential markets and other places of mass gatherings as part of measure is a welcome development in combating the deadly virus.

The statement read: “despite the measures, however, the former VP asked governments at all levels to “provide palliatives to the Nigerian people to enable them to survive, even as they abide by these necessary measures put in place for their own safety.

“A large percentage of our people do not have the financial capacity to withstand long periods of self-isolation and even lockdown.

“At an approximate 30 million households or thereabouts, the government should devise modalities to distribute N10,000 as a supplement for foodstuff to each household, among other palliative measures, with no one left behind.

“It is thus time for the National Assembly to reconvene in an emergency session, perhaps by teleconference (in line with the demands of social distancing), to legislate a Stimulus Package Act that will cater for all Nigerian citizens.”

Atiku also called on all Mobile Telephony Companies in Nigeria to urgently develop mobile money platforms so that the government can reach the unbanked with financial assistance

And in addition, urged the telecommunication firms to offer each of the 100 million mobile phone lines in Nigeria free credit of at least ₦1500 per mobile line, so that Nigerians who show symptoms, or those who just want information, can call the nearest available health centre.