CAN opposes Reps’ Infectious Disease Bill
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the proposed bill on Infectious Disease Control in Nigeria recently introduced by the House of Representatives.
In a letter dated May 4, 2020 and by its General Secretary, Joseph Daramola, CAN called on Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, arguing the bill was against national interest.
It read: “We urge the House to discontinue discussion on this Bill forthwith in the overall interest of the Nigerian citizens. However, should you insist that there is merit in this unacceptable bill, we insist that this bill should pass through public hearing.”
CAN went on to question the rationality behind the introduction of the bill as well as the hastiness with which the lower legislative chamber seeks to pass it.
The Christian body called on the lawmakers to take a cue from various Acts of Parliaments and legislations including Executive Orders of Governments that have been struck out by courts in the past on the basis that they contravene the Fundamental Human Rights of the citizens as enshrined in the constitution.
The letter added: “CAN hereby advise the leadership and honourable members of the House of Representatives to immediately allow the spirit of God to prevail over the primordial intentions and ambition, not to pass this controversial, nebulous and obnoxious bill into law in the overall interest of Nigerians.
“This bill is not what is currently being expected from the House of Representatives, but rather, the development of the vaccines that will stop this COVID -19 pandemic from further killing of our citizens.”
