The House of Representatives has been ordered by a Federal High Court in Abuja to maintain status quo on the infectious disease bill which has passed second reading.
The order was given by Justice Ifeoma Ojukwu, who also called on the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu and the clerk of the National Assembly to appear before the court, according to Punch Newspaper.
Last week, former Senator Dino Melaye, sued the National assembly over the bill which sparked controversy across the country. Some say the bill, when passed into law, would trample on the rights of Nigerians. They worry that it gives the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, the Minister of Health and the Nigeria Police excessive powers. The contents of the bill, sponsored by Mr. Gbajabiamila, critics say was copied from an autocratic country, Singapore.
Mr. Melaye asked the court to stop the bill from been passed into law, claiming that it breaches his right to freedom and life.
“An order of this honourable court is hereby made mandating the respondents to appear before this court on May 20, 2020, to show cause why the application of this applicant should not be granted,” the court stated in an ex parte motion, according to Punch Newspaper.
If the respondents fail to attend court on the date stated for the hearing, on this matter, the reliefs sought ex parte shall be granted, the court said.
- PHOTOS: After 48 Days in Hospital, Boy Labelled Witch and Abandoned is Discharged - August 8, 2021
- Travellers Complain Over Fly Infested Aminu Kano Airport - August 6, 2021
- Ondo 2020: Mimiko Criticises Akeredolu’s Performance - September 28, 2020
