The National Assembly will cut down the entourage of President Muhammadu Buhari to Thursday’s 2021 Appropriation Bill presentation.
The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, gave the indication at the plenary on Wednesday.
He said those not having a direct role in the budget presentation would not be allowed into the chamber because of the COVID-19 restriction.
Lawan said, “The joint session normally takes place in the chamber of the House of Representatives. It is going to be the same. It will take place there but by this time around because of the situation of COVID-19, we have made arrangements to observe Social distancing in the chamber.
“We also have to wear our face masks mandatorily. We are going to also abridge the entire event because we will be many there. So the entire event will last just about an hour. From the entry of the President into the chamber and addresses, the presentation and laying will be just an hour event so that we are able to comply with the requirements of the COvID-19 protocol.
“Mr. President this time around will not be accompanied by many people on the entourage. Only a few people – very key and relevant to the budget – will accompany Mr. President into the chamber.
“I think by the arrangement those of them that have little to do with the budget will join virtually what will happen.”
