Coronavirus: Atiku pledges N50 million, wants FG to pay Nigerians N10,000 each

Nigeria’s former  Vice President, Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday asked the Federal Government to pay  stimulus package of N10,000 to every Nigerian family.

He said, it would help them buy foods and households with other palliative measures.

To do that, the former Presidential aspirant urged the National Assembly to reconvene immediately and pass a stimulus bill.

“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.”

He added that, with new cases of about 51 Coronavirus, the Federal government should shut down the country to prevent further spread.

He insisted that it will be difficult to keep Nigerians at home without providing for them.

Atiku revealed that his company, Priam Group has pledged N50 million as a contribution to a relief fund that will form part of the stimulus package for all Nigerians.

The former vice president advised “all Mobile Telephony Companies in Nigeria to urgently develop mobile money platforms so that the government can reach the unbanked with financial assistance.

“I also urge these telecommunications 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 facility, or even an ambulance service, as the case may be.

“In essence, this is what makes Nigeria great, when we help each other at such crisis times as this, irrespective of any differences. I further call on more corporations and individuals with capacity, to assist the public in these trying times.”