By Olanrewaju Adesanya
As the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic ranges on, coupled with the adverse effects it poses on the global economy and well-being, the Lagos State House of Assembly in its proactive stance has counseled the state Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso to intensify campaign against the spread of Coronavirus.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who brought the matter before the House during plenary on Tuesday, added that it was important for the state Commissioner for Health, Professor Tunji Abayomi to brief the Health Committee of the House on efforts being made by the government to prevent the spread of the disease in the state.
Obasa stressed further that there was need to call on the Governor to call on the Commissioner for Information to continue to create awareness for the people so that members of the public will continue to take precautions against COVID-19.
“The Governor is down with mild symptoms of COVID-19 and I want to urge all the lawmakers in the House to observe the protocols against the pandemic.
“The Clerk of the House should also ensure that the staff of the House and visitors observe COVID-19 Protocols.
“We should sustain the campaign against the spread of the disease in the state. We all know that the disease is on the increase in the United States of America and in other countries.
“The Commissioner for Health, Professor Tunji Abayomi should come and brief the House through its Health Committee on efforts being made to prevent the spread of the disease in the state,” Obasa said.
Commenting on the matter, Hon. (Prince) Bisi Yusuff (Alimosho 1), a member of the House Committee on Health Services, stated that he was afraid of what was happening in Lagos State, and that the people were not taking precaution against the disease anymore.
Yusuff said that the state could not afford another lockdown, but that the people needed to be cautious.
The lawmaker added that the only option was for the people to observe the new normal, which he said is COVID-19 protocols.
Also, the Cooperative Societies Bill 2020, which is titled; “A Bill for a law to provide for the Registration of Cooperative Societies in Lagos State and for connected matters” was read for the second time.
The bill was analysed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce and Industry, Hon. Ganiu Okanlawon (Kosofe 1) and it was debated by some members at the sitting.
The bill was then committed to the House Committee on Commerce and Industry to report back to the House in two weeks.
There was also the presentation of a report on Unlawful Societies and Cultism (Prohibition) Bill 2020 by the Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC, Hon. Victor Akande (Ojo1).
The Bill is entitled; “A Bill for a law to provide for the prohibition of Unlawful Societies and Cultism in Lagos State and for other connected purposes.”
The committee was then asked to go and make some amendments on the Bill based on the observations and comments of members on the report before the bill would be read for the third time.
Speaker then urged the standing committees of the House to conclude work on the Bills before them, while the joint Committees on Budget and Economic Planning and Finance were asked to complete work on the 2021 Budget Proposal of the state right on time.
House then adjourned sitting to Monday 28th December at 12 noon.