A Bill to protect dead bodies and prohibit the desecration of human
life passed second reading on Tuesday at the floor of the House of
Representatives.
The Bill which is titled ‘A Bill for an Act to prohibit the
desecration of sanctity of Human Life and Dead Bodies in Nigeria’ (HB.
778), seeks among other things, to defend the sanctity and sacredness of
human life and compel people to respect the dead.
While leading a debate on the general principles of the Bill, Hon.
Rita Ojir representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos
state, said “desecration of dead bodies should not be tolerated in any
way.”
Speaking further, Ojir said all over the world, institutions which
handle dead bodies, including the security outfits like soldiers, follow
laid down rules on how they are to handle the dead.
According to her, “all religions have respect for the dead. Different
religions, especially the monotheistic faiths, don’t accept any
desecration of their own dead or the enemy’s dead.”
While supporting the Bill, Rep. Agbonayinman Johnson said the manner
which Nigerians treat dead bodies will continue to place the country in
bad light. “It is difficult for Nigerians to be known for goods. I wonder how
people would decide to make money from dead bodies, this is another form
of corruption. “Remember, we are all going to die one day so let us all support the Bill”, Agbonayinman submitted.
Another lawmaker, Dr. Henry Archibong from Akwa Ibom state, spoke in
favor of the bill, saying the law, when passed, will protect the
sanctity of life. “In the modern day Nigeria, a lot of people are into selling of dead
peoples’ bodies, some are even exhumed, dismembered and sold or used for
all kinds of rituals. If the Bill is passed into law, it will take care
of such acts,” Archibong added.
Source: Daily Post
