Audrey Lotechukwu
TUE, MAY 05 2020-theG&BJournal- The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha, went to National Assembly today with a wish list. He wants the Members of the Assembly to provide a strengthened legislative framework for dealing with future public health emergencies-in a changing world.
‘’ The current Quarantine Act needs to be updated due to the unique nature of emerging infections such as COVID-19, the dramatic impact this has on sectors beyond just health and the urgency required to deal with such pandemic.’’
He addressed the National Assembly on a myriad of issues including the rising spate of unexplained death in Kano State and the need for reinforcement of COVID-19 Initiative across the federation.
His request comes against the backlash to the Quarantine Act LFN 2004 which President Muhammadu Buhari exercised, under sections 3 and 4, to restrict movement of persons and goods in Lagos, Ogun and FCT.
‘’Although this intervention generated heated debate in the legal circles, with insinuations that it may be in direct conflict with section 44(1) of the constitution and article 14 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (ratification and enforcement) Act, the legal basis of the intervention is not debatable,’’ Mustapha told the Members of the National Assembly.
Mustapha recalled his address to the combined leadership of the National Assembly on 9th April, 2020, when he reminded them that the ‘’nation is at war against a very dangerous, unseen and ubiquitous enemy and all hands must be on deck to successfully prosecute the war.’’
Mustapha told the House; in addition to providing the kind of leadership already demonstrated, the National Assembly finds itself in the unique position to do the following, though not exhaustive:
- Develop a legislative framework to prepare Nigeria for any future pandemic;
- Develop a legislative framework for reforming and transforming our healthcare systems;
- Strengthen the legislative framework for economic growth through domestic manufacturing;
- Deepen the legislative oversight during this pandemic and beyond;
- Pass legislations that will further ease the ability of the executive to cushion the impact of the economic decline;
- Be part of community mobilization and enlightenment efforts.
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