The debate on the Control of Infectious Diseases Bill 2020 at the National Assembly may have to be on hold following the order of the Federal High Court, Abuja asking the National Assembly to maintain status quo pending the determination of the matter before it.
Justuce Ijeoma Ojukwu, who gave the order after the motion on notice was heard, also ordered the respondents to come and show cause why the application of the applicant should not be granted.
The court subsequently fixed May 20, for hearing of the application and directs that the respondents be put on notice.
On May 4, 2020, the former Senator representing Kogi West at the National Assembly, Senator Dino Melaye, approached the Federal High Court asking it to declare that some sections of the Control of Infectious Diseases Bill 2020, which is currently being debated are draconian, oppressive, and authoritarian therefore is in breach of fundamental rights as provided in the 1999 Constitution.
The lawmakers said the Bill was designed to prevent the spread or possible outbreak of infectious diseases.
Melaye sought the court for an order declaring among other sections the provisions of sections 5 sub section 3, section 6, 8, 15 to 19, section 23, 24, 29 30 and section 44, to section 47 of the Control of Infectious Diseases Bill 2020, as unlawful, unconstitutional, null, and void and of no effect whatsoever.
He is also sought for an order of injunction restraining the respondents, whether, by themselves, their committees, their agents, employees, or privies from further proceeding with, their debates, or the law-making processes with respect to the control of the infectious diseases bill 2020.