Nyerhovwho Oghenetejiri
The National Assembly acted swiftly to make concerted efforts to curtail the ravaging dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) by cutting short their annual vacation to summon an emergency meeting with major stakeholders in the health sector to give it the deserved attention just as the power probe in the National Assembly has been identified as most challenging moment for Hon. Ndudi Elumelu.
This was disclosed by Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Member, House of Representative, representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Health in a chat with The National Reformer Newspaper in his country home at Onicha-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area, he said that the Committee swung into action by inviting all stakeholders in the health sector including the Health Minister, Immigration, Port Health workers among others to brainstorm on how to tackle the scourge.
Hon. Elumelu who is eyeing the governorship seat come 2015 in Delta State further disclosed that the House Committee on Health gave nod for funds to be released to tackle the scourge , directed that all entry points(land borders, sea and airports )are adequately manned and ascertained to checkmate illegal entry of carriers of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease as was the case of Patrick Sawyer, the index case as well as encourage free flow of information and gave nod for the engagement of more health personnel who should be insured, adding, ” we directed the committee to also liaise with the Ministry of Interior. I will also use this opportunity to call on Nigerians to adhere strictly to good sanitary conditions such washing hands regularly and be present less at public gatherings in the interest of the good of all.”
Responding to a question, Hon. Elumelu said that his most challenging times in the National Assembly was the Power probe adding that he was also concerned about the incessant strike action by medical trade unions in the country.
On the kidnap of over 190 girls from a government secondary school in Chibok, the amiable House of Representative member said that there are many unanswered questions such as how can the sect operate for over four hours in a place unchallenged, kidnap such a large number of people without being questioned or challenged, why should the school allow the examination to go on without adequate security put in place saying that these unanswered questions make one not to conclude that the kidnap has political undertones.
Responding yet to another question, Hon. Elumelu said that Delta at 23 has been a progressive one with regard to developmental growth in infrastructures, human development among others, adding, ” Delta state growth has been steady as well as progressive, the state has witnessed giant strides of development since the coming of the democratic process and my Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and his predecessor, Dr. James Onanefe Ibori have written their names in gold. I must commend Deltans for their support and commitment towards the overall development of the state.”
Hon. Elumelu commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his foresight in setting up the just concluded National Conference, he also commended the state governors as well as various stakeholders for sending credible men and women to the Confab to chart a good course for the nation, adding, “we, at the National Assembly are waiting to deliberate on the report so submitted with a view to get a better Nigeria.”
