Compulsory Vaccination Is An Infringement On Human Rights - Anglican Archbishop

Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma

Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, the Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Anglican Communion, has lamented about the Federal government making COVID-19 vaccines compulsory for civil servants.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the commissioning of an ultra modern diagnostic centre, built by the diocese at the Good Shepherd Specialist Hospital, Enugu, on Sunday, December 5, Chukwuma condemned the move by the government to make vaccination compulsory.

He stated that though he was not against the COVID-19 vaccination, the exercise should not be made compulsory.

“You cannot force anybody to take vaccination when you don’t ascertain the health condition of that person. I’m not saying it’s bad to take vaccination but it should not be a compulsory.

“There has been vaccination before which had not been forced. Why is this one particular thing that you want to force on people?

“Government should not make it a situation whereby if you’re not vaccinated, you cannot enter the office or receive your salary. People are hungry, they should make other important things compulsory.”

The Archbishop, however, advised the people to continue to observe COVID-19 protocol while maintaining personal hygiene, especially with the Omicron variant.