After nearly a month of plenary suspension due to the outbreak of coronavirus in the country, the House of Representatives reopened legislation to help the executive tackle spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila who opened the floor the commended lawmakers for the large turnout which showed their commitment and dedication to service.

In a speech he delivered on the floor, the speaker said the house reconvened in unusual circumstances to battle an unforeseen enemy. 

He said Green Chamber is determined to survive these difficult times. 

Stating that over a thousand fellow countrymen have been affected by the virus, the speaker expressed his sincere condolences to persons who have lost loved ones.

He prayed to God that the situation passes on time.

Gbajabiamila applauded the president for constituting the presidential task force on COVID-19 saying the Taskforce and the Centre for Disease Control had done well in their assignment while urging them to do more to ensure those in their communities understand the essence of the lockdown. 

The speaker urged them to expedite to ensure that further outbreak of the disease is prevented to avoid compounding the sufferings of the citizenry.

The speaker also sued for alternative ways of containing the virus urging health experts to act fast so as to save those who need help.

The speaker hammered on the need for the passage of a second economic stimulus bill which is currently before the Senate.

He said the house will concur with the bill when passed by the upper legislative house.

Assuring of a COVID-19 strategic response team which he said would be constituted before long, the speaker also said the country must not lose sight of its citizens in foreign lands especially in China where reports of intimidation of the citizens are been reported. 

He frowned at extra-judicial punishment under the guise of quarantine saying the house will not accept such against Nigerians.