ABUJA, Nigeria — Fear of Ebola reportedly disrupted normal interactions at the National Assembly as Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed that several senators refused to shake hands with him amid concerns over reported cases of the virus in Nigeria.
Akpabio revealed this during a Senate debate on a motion seeking the declaration of a national state of emergency over the public health threat, reports Daily Trust.
He said the reluctance of his colleagues to engage in the customary greeting underscored the level of concern among lawmakers and the urgency of addressing the situation.
The debate took a humorous turn when Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed that senators who failed to attend Wednesday’s sitting should be placed under immediate quarantine before being allowed back into the chamber.
Oshiomhole argued that the precaution was necessary to protect lawmakers present, noting that the travel history and whereabouts of absent senators could not be immediately established.
Akpabio agreed with the safety concerns raised during the debate and subsequently directed that medical testing kits be stationed at the entrance to the Senate chamber to screen lawmakers before they enter.
The episode highlighted the anxiety surrounding the reported Ebola cases and the need for clear public health guidance to prevent panic while ensuring appropriate precautions are taken.
