After severe criticisms from the public and different civil society organisations, the Speaker of the Green Chamber – Nigeria’s House of Assembly, Femi Gbajabiamila has said that the controversial Infectious Diseases Control Bill will be subjected to a public hearing before being passed.
Mr Gbajabiamila while addressing his colleagues on Tuesday said the bill was conceived in public interest, hence, the need to take proper action.
POLITICS NIGERIA reported how the bill sponsored by the speaker and his colleagues intended to repeal the Nigeria quarantine law. Last Tuesday, it passed first and second reading. It was later sent to the committee of the whole House without the normal public hearing stage before the final passage.
However, speaking at a plenary session today, Mr Gbajabiamila said the opinions of the public are welcomed to arrive at final legislation that meets the present and future needs of Nigeria.
Following the social distance order that forbids crowding, the Speaker said the house will provide alternative platforms for all Nigerians who desire, to send in written documents that articulate their concerns, make recommendations on amendments and perhaps present other formulations for a new framework for managing infectious diseases in Nigeria. He added that all contributions will be considered.
He admitted that Nigerians misrepresented his interest and that led to accusations that he was trying to take away their fundamental human rights.
“I disagree wholeheartedly with the suggestion that this is not the ideal time to seek reforms of the infectious diseases and public health emergency framework in the country.”
“The weaknesses of the present system have already manifested in the inability of the government to hold to proper account those whose refusal to adhere with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines led to the further spread of the coronavirus in Nigeria.”
“We have had people break out from isolation centres, and others, who fully aware of their status chose to travel across state lines on public transport”, he noted.
