{
  "id": 15919748,
  "title": "Ebola scare at National Assembly as senators refuse to shake hands",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/ebola-scare-at-national-assembly-as-senators-refuse-to-shake-hands",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-21T15:50:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/ebola-scare-at-national-assembly-as-senators-refuse-to-shake-hands/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Wednesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that several lawmakers had refused to shake his hand upon arrival at the National Assembly due to fears of the Ebola virus outbreak in the country. This incident came to light during a Senate debate on a motion to declare a national state of emergency over the public health threat. Akpabio highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating that his colleagues' cautious behavior reflects the urgency with which the outbreak needs to be tackled. A lighter moment arose when Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed a motion, requesting that any senator absent from Wednesday's proceedings be immediately placed under quarantine before being allowed back into the chamber. Oshiomhole argued that this precautionary measure was essential for the safety of those present, citing the inability to verify the travel history and whereabouts of absent lawmakers. Akpabio agreed with Oshiomhole's concerns and ordered that medical testing kits be placed at the entrance of the Senate chamber to screen all incoming lawmakers before they are granted entry.",
  "summary": "Senate President Godswill Akpabio revealed on Wednesday that several lawmakers declined to shake hands with him upon arrival at the National Assembly, citing heightened fears surrounding reported cases of the Ebola virus in the country. Akpabio disclosed the experience during a Senate debate regarding a motion to declare a national state of emergency over the […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}