Over 41 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) which comprises of Girl Child Africa Center For Liberty, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) among others has called on the
House of Representatives subject the Control of Infectious Diseases Bill to public scrutiny by embarking on stakeholder consultations and a public hearing to harness public inputs into the legislation.
The group in a joint statement issued in Abuja said the House should utilize the opportunity provided by the reviewed lockdown policy to consult with relevant stakeholders and the people.
They said the house should also review all provisions of the Bill that foster inter-agency conflicts and abuse of power and undermine constitutionally guaranteed rights and are contrary to the rule of law and Nigeria’s International human rights obligations.
According to the group, it is all important to note that while we understand the importance of a legislative framework that guarantee effective response to pandemic/public health crises.
“We must do so within the rule of law and in conformity with the Constitution and Nigeria’s International human rights obligations. democratic principles.
“The National Assembly should refrain from vesting powers beyond the remit of institutions.
“We must avoid the temptation of vesting absolute powers in public officials as this could be abused and misused to undermine constitutionally guaranteed rights.
“Laws must be made for the people and any law that fails to protect the human rights of the people as guaranteed in the constitution must be rejected in its entirety,”they said.
Upon resumption, the House of Representatives considered a Bill titled ‘Control of Infectious Diseases Bill’ co-sponsored by Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker, House of Reps; Rep. Pascal Obi; and Rep. Tanko Sununu.
The Bill, which seeks to repeal the obsolete Quarantine Act of 1929 and enact the Control of Infectious Diseases Bill, make provisions relating to quarantine and regulations for preventing the introduction into and spread of dangerous infectious diseases in Nigeria, and for other related matters.
The Bill has passed first and second reading at plenary under controversial circumstances. We also learnt that the bill was slated for a record third reading that same day, before it was resisted by some vigilant members.