Gbajabiamila confronts NCDC DG over denouncing Disease Control Bill during in House

Interacting with members of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 in the House of Representatives on Tuesday on their activities in the battle to combat the spread of coronavirus in Nigeria, Speaker of the House confronted the Director-General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, over his comment that he does not support the legislation of such law in the middle of a crisis. The NCDC DG apologized and stated that he anticipates to a new infectious diseases bill for the country.

Members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 led by the Chairman, Boss Mustapha. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to account to the lawmakers the performance of their duties since inauguration. The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, was in attendance at the House briefing participated also by the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu.

Gbajabiamila has received fireworks from array of civil society and other stakeholders of goodwill in Nigeria who vehemently condemned and rejected the infectious disease control bill after the bill  speedily passed through the first and second readings in the House by fiat.

The controversial bill sponsored by Gbajabiamila and two lawmakers, Pascal Obi and Tanko Sununu, was introduced to the House last week Tuesday to repeal the Quarantine Act of 2004. The speaker observed that the bill is to suit modern realities and increase the penalty for violating the Act.