A former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) yesterday urged the National Assembly to pass an emergency law to tackle the Coronavirus pandemic.

He said the United Kingdom passed the Coronavirus Act of 2020 in two days, which empowers the government to take drastic actions to tackle the disease.

Agbakoba said Nigeria should urgently pass a similar law.

In the meantime, he said the federal and state governments could invoke the Quarantine Act of 1926 to declare a total lockdown of Nigeria for at least two weeks.

Agbakoba said in a statement: “Our lawmakers must as a matter of urgency pass a Coronavirus Act 2020 to deal with the multiple challenges Nigerians face.

“The law will deal with safety first and foremost, welfare secondly and generally to promote peace and good order of Nigeria to confront this monstrosity. The UK passed the Coronavirus Act of 2020 in just two days.

“I call on the President and governors to invoke the provisions of the Quarantine Act to order a complete lockdown of the country for at least 14 days as only the toughest possible measures will ensure we are safe.

“The Quarantine Law was passed in 1926. The law empowers the President to issue regulations for the safety and protection of Nigerians when in the opinion of the President or governor there is reason to believe that there is a grave medical or other likely danger to the common good of Nigerians as a result of an infectious or contagious disease.

“Coronavirus is real! Remember the Spanish flu. It killed 50 million people. With the increased spread of Coronavirus, also called COVID-19, it is urgent that we cooperate with the government to stop the spread of the virus.

“Please, help the government by complying with regulations by staying at home, maintaining social distance and washing your hands regularly.”