The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has asked the national assembly to suspend the infectious disease bill.
The bill prescribes, among other provisions, compulsory vaccination of citizens against infectious diseases. This has sparked public outcry over possible human rights violation.
In a communique issued after a virtual meeting of the governors on Wednesday, Kayode Fayemi, chairman of the forum, asked the lawmakers to step down the bill to give room for consultations with state governments and other stakeholders.
The forum also constituted a three-member committee to engage the leadership of the national assembly on the bill.
“Following an update from the Governor of Sokoto State and Vice Chairman of the NGF, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on the proposed Control of Infectious Diseases Bill, 2020 introduced by the House of Representatives, Governors raised concern with the lack of consultation with State governments who are at the forefront of the epidemic,” the governors said.
“The Forum resolved that the Bill should be stepped down until an appropriate consultative process is held, including a public hearing to gather public opinion and concerns.
“In the light of this, the Forum established a Committee comprising the Governors of Katsina, Sokoto, and Plateau to lead a consultative meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly on the proposed Control of Infectious Diseases Bill, 2020.
“The NGF Secretariat was also mandated to comprehensively review the Bill and its implication on States.”
Recall that Senator Dino Melaye had called the said bill “Evil” and had sued the House of Reps on the ground that the bill passage was a malicious conspiracy.
