Ebola Scare At National Assembly As Senators Refuse To Shake Hands

Senate President Godswill Akpabio revealed on Wednesday that several lawmakers refused to exchange handshakes with him upon his arrival at the National Assembly, reflecting growing anxiety over the confirmed Ebola virus case in the Federal Capital Territory.

Akpabio shared the encounter during a Senate plenary debate focused on a legislative motion seeking to declare a national public health emergency to counter the potential threat.

He noted that the cautious behavior exhibited by his colleagues highlights the seriousness and urgency required to contain any possible spread of the disease.

The legislative proceedings took a dramatic turn when Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole raised a motion advocating that any lawmaker absent from Wednesday’s sitting be subjected to mandatory quarantine before being allowed back onto the Senate floor.

Oshiomhole argued that the preventive measure was essential to safeguard attending lawmakers, pointing out that the travel history and recent contacts of absent colleagues could not be immediately determined.

Presiding over the session, Akpabio aligned with the safety concerns raised on the floor of the red chamber.

The Senate President subsequently ordered the immediate deployment of medical screening equipment and testing kits at the entrance of the Senate chamber to evaluate all lawmakers prior to entry.