Infectious Diseases Bill will negate rights of citizens – Archbishop
The General Overseer for Resurrection Praise Ministry for Africa Worldwide, Archbishop Samson Benjamin, on Saturday said the proposed Disease Control Bill would negate the rights of Nigerians.
Benjamin who spoke in Lagos said that he was totally opposed to the bill which seeks to propagate the use of vaccines.
“I am also absolutely against the vaccine that wants to be introduced into Africa from abroad. I do not believe it is best for us and we will resist it.
“Some of us resisted the Disease Control Bill that was brought to the House of Representatives because it took away all your right as an individual.
“The Quarantine Law of 2004 gives you a civil right and your human right, but this bill takes away such rights and gives the power solely to the government,” he said.
Benjamin however, thanked the House for listening to the cries of the masses and putting the bill aside until it is properly scrutinised and ensures the safety of health.
On COVID-19, he said that social gathering, events and parties should still be on hold until there is a drop in the daily figure of people testing positive to the viru.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned with a prediction that in a few weeks from now, Africa will become the epicentre of the virus and they predicted about 300,000 deaths occurring.
“I would urge our leaders to have a rethink and reconsider their ways of beating this virus instead of calling for religious gathering.
“One very good way of reaching out to our followers for spiritual edification is to utilise the internet to continue to propagate the Word of God,” he said.
The archbishop advised that the kits brought from China be tested for efficacy before they are given out for public use.
Eid-El-Fitr: APC chieftain offers 2,755 clothing materials to needy in Zamfara
“The economy of the world has been affected by this pandemic, however, every economy can be revived but dead lives cannot be revived.
“Africa should not be bothering about the economy for now, but focus more on trying to save as many lives as possible through public education and sensitisation campaigns.
“We are getting it wrong, if we focus solely on the economic implications rather than the mortality rate because it is the people that will revive the economy and not the other way round,” he said.
Besides, Benjamin urged the government to put to good use all the donations and contributions that have been given to us by international bodies.
Related to this topic:
You must be logged in to post a comment.