Buhari addresses Nigerians as the coronavirus pandemic spreads in Africa’s most populous nation (image courtesy: State House)

The Nigerian Senate has thrown its weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari’s lockdown of Lagos, Ogun and Abuja due to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Buhari announced the restriction of movements shortly before the country confirmed 14 new cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria, bringing the total number of recorded cases to 111.

“Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States,” the Nigerian leader had said in a nationwide broadcast on Sunday night.

But it is not clear if president Buhari informed the National Assembly about this decision before it was taken.

Reacting to this development, Senate spokesman Godiya Akwashiki said Buhari must have obtained legal advice before acting.

“Lagos has been locked down partially since a few days ago. It is not something to worry about. They should allow leaders to make decisions, especially in this type of crisis situation that we are faced with. I want to believe that the President must have consulted well,” Akwashiki said.

“I want to assure you that if it is something that is constitutionally mandatory for the Senate to approve, we said it the other day when we took a break that the leadership had directed all Senators to be on standby in case of any emergency.

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