Ebola Containment: NHRC Commends FG, Lagos

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commended the federal and the Lagos State governments for their  efforts in preventing the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

A statement issued by the commission’s Chief Press Officer, Mrs. Fatimah Agwai Muhammed, quoted the commission’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Bem Angwe, as saying the federal and Lagos State governments should be applauded for taking urgent steps and involving major stakeholders in controlling the spread of the EVD.

The statement said: “This concerted effort, depicts the government’s commitment to protecting the human rights and well being of Nigerians.”

Angwe noted that the campaign going on at the various levels of government showed how serious the country was in containing the disease.

He added that the commission would remain committed to playing its role to assist the government in controlling the spread of the disease especially in vulnerable place like the prisons.
He further stated that there was an urgent need to spare some thought on the dangers posed by the entry of Ebola in the Nigerian Prisons that harbour persons deprived of their liberties and freedom of movement.

To this end, Angwe said the NHRC, in collaboration with the Senate and the House of Represenatives Committees on Human Rights, would on the 26th of September convene an emergency meeting of all zonal and state controllers of prison, health experts and other stakeholders to adopt strategies to prevent the entry of the deadly Ebola virus into Nigerian prisons and other detention centres

In addition, Angwe gave kudos to medical personnel involved in the treatment of Ebola patients for their patriotism and commitment to humanity.

He urged relevant authorities to continue to ensure that both health officers and the patients were given the best conditions in line with human rights best practices.