Lockdown: Lawyers task government on palliatives

Some Lawyers On Monday Urged The Federal,  Lagos And Ogun  State Governments To Ensure Adequate Palliatives For The Citizens To Cushion The Effects Of The Stay At Home Order.



Some lawyers on Monday urged the federal,  Lagos and Ogun  state governments to ensure adequate palliatives for the citizens to cushion the effects of the stay-at-home order.


The lawyers told the News Agency on telephone that the governments  should also  control the prices of the goods and commodities.


Mr Kabir Akingbolu, a constitutional  lawyer and Member of Ekiti State Judicial Service Commission, told NAN that palliative measures would encourage the citizens to comply with the government directive.


Akingbolu regretted that prices of food stuff had gone up in some  states and would inflict more suffering on the citizens, if not checked.


“It will be difficult for the poor to feed,” he said.


Akingbolu applauded President Muhammadu  Buhari’s order restricting  movement in Lagos and Ogun and Abuja  to check the spread of COVID-19.


“It is a right step in the right direction.


“The directive finds support in Section 45 of the 1999 Constitution although the sudden announcement  will bring hardship,” he said.


Mr Kunle Bamidele, also a lawyer,  said that the president’s directive was in order considering the nature of coronavirus.


“Although Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) gives powers to the president to restrict movement during a war or civil unrest, he can make a proclamation to restrict movement if such is accepted and sanctioned by the National Assembly within 10 days,” he said .


“The pandemic is putting the existence of our nation at risk. Like they say, a dangerous time requires a dangerous measure.


“I will say that the president directive is in order considering the nature of the pandemic and what is happening all over the world,” he said.


Bamidele also urged the governments to ensure adequate food supply during this period.


Adegboruwa (SAN) said that  he would support every lawful measure taken by the government to contain COVID-19.


“I support every measure taken by the government to contain the coronavirus pandemic, but such must be in accordance with the law.


“Also there must be measures in place to address the financial consequences of the shutdown, especially for small scale businesses.


“Those who depend on daily earnings , the needy and vulnerable members of the society will be affected,” he said.