The NGF had on Thursday criticised the bill sponsored by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, stating that they were not consulted and asked that the bill be “stepped down”
Mr Kalu said whilst the house legislates for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including being “the parliament for the Federal Capital Territory , the Nigeria Governors Forum is recognised by members as leading lights in the task of nation building.” The official said unlike in a constitution amendment matter, where state houses of assembly have a defined role to play, “bills such as the Control of Infectious Diseases are not by the constitution subject of concurrence of state houses of assembly or state governors.”
“Even at that, it has to be by a constitutional amendment sponsored the citizens an not by the personal view of one Governor and former speaker. “The House also wishes to state that the NGF is free to make its position on the Bill known through a memorandum during the planned public hearing or send its representative or representatives to appear in person.”The official also said the house believes that there are better channels of communication available to the NGF to address such matters “instead of the pages of newspapers”.