National Assembly of indifference?

SIR: As the world grapples with the scourge of Covid-19 pandemic, one inescapable burden that leadership imposes is for those charge with the duty to seek to reduce the burdens on the citizens.

A recent example is United State whose Congress, upon the outbreak of this pandemic, has been up and doing. The same goes for the U.K parliament.

In the space of this period, the United Stated Congress has passed into law, three important bills aimed at reducing the burden on the citizens during these trying times. Among these is the Corona virus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 which provides $8.3 billion in emergency funding to combat the 2020 corona virus pandemic. Contained in the bill is more than $3 billion for “research and development of vaccines, as well as therapeutics and diagnostics; and another $2.2 billion in public health funding to aid in prevention, preparedness and response efforts — including $950 million to support state and local agencies

There is also the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act which, among others, contains provisions for the allocation of $500 billion for assistance to businesses, states, and municipalities, with no more than $25 billion designated for passenger air carriers, $4 billion for air cargo carriers, and $17 billion for businesses critical to maintaining national security. The bill creates a $349 billion loan program for small businesses, allocates $130 billion in relief to the medical and hospital industries. It provides $1,200 to Americans making $75,000 or less ($150,000 in the case of joint returns and $112,500 for head of household) and $500 for each child.

And finally, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act which provides paid leave, establishes free coronavirus testing, supports strong unemployment benefits, expands food assistance for vulnerable children and families, protects front-line health workers, and provides additional funding to states for the ongoing economic consequences of the pandemic, among other provisions.

All these laws have been passed by the US Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump.

Few days ago, the U.K parliament passed a Corona Virus Act 2020, a 358-page document, all for the good of the citizens.

And what did we get from our legislators?

Upon the outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic, our legislators chose to go on a straight two weeks break. Last week, the body took delivery of newly purchased vehicles for its members in a of brazen show of unconcern, effectively abdicating their leadership responsibilities at a time of grave national crisis.

May God give us leaders when it matters; may we also have the courage to put our leaders on their toes when it becomes necessary.

• Opatola Victor Esq. Abuja.