At least 11 Nigerians have been killed by cholera outbreak out of 65 isolated cases in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria.
The country’s House of Representatives on Tuesday demanded urgent action from relevant authorities to halt further death and spread of the epidemics.
Member of Parliament, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, told the lower House, House of Representatives, that his constituency, Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency is disturbed by high death rate. Adding that relevant authorities must swing into action to save the lives of those battling with disease.
“We have suffered this thing a number of years but what has made this challenging and very exigent is because of the mortality rate.
“The death rate this time around is too high. 65 cases with 11 deaths, definitely that is very close to 20%. So, we are troubled.”
After hearing Hon. Abienta’s motion, members unanimously urged the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control to contend the outbreak and stop further death of infected persons.
The House also mandated the Federal Ministry of Water Resources Ministry to provide potable water for the affected communities.
Briefing newsmen at the close of plenary, the Rivers Federal Lawmaker said they are overwhelmed by the incidences, hence, the call on the federal authorities to save the affected citizens in line with its constitutional responsibilities.
“We don’t just sit down, fold our alms and allowed people to die. We have sent but the material and human resources to help us see how we can manage the situation but we are overwhelmed.
“I have come before my colleagues. I have come before Nigeria and Nigerians to cry for assistance, to cry for help so that this does not continue. And those who have been affected can have some relief.”
Abiente submitted that the near-permanent solution is possible with political will. He, however, commended President Buhari for signing executive order 9, which borders on water and sanitation.
