The House of Representatives has given the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Baba Alkali 4-week ultimatum to investigate the attack on the campaign train of the Senatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of the Kogi Central Senatorial District, Mrs. Natasha Akpoti–Uduaghan and prosecute those directly and remotely responsible for the attack.
This comes a few days after Quest Times reported that some political thugs attacked the campaign train of the PDP Senatorial candidate in Kogi, leaving one dead while several others were injured.
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The resolution was passed Wednesday, December 14, sequel to the adoption of a motion co-sponsored by Hon. Sergius Ogun and three other lawmakers.
The lawmakers condemned the attack on the campaign train of Akpoti–Uduaghan, saying it was an act of political intolerance that should not be tolerated.
In his lead debate, Hon. Ogun, who called for the House intervention, observed that Section 14(2b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that the security and welfare of the people of Nigeria shall be the primary purpose of government.
“The House is aware that section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his or her interests.
“The House is also aware that section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that a citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion, or political affiliation shall not be subjected to any form of discrimination.
“The House is informed that on December 3, 2022, suspected political thugs and hoodlums attacked the campaign train of the Senatorial Candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) of the Kogi Central Senatorial District, Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during her rally from Okene to Adavi, injuring several persons and shooting one person.
“The House is worried that despite the avowed commitment of the federal government to implement the 35% Affirmative Action, discrimination against women seeking elective posts still exists in the country.
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“The House is disturbed that at a time when all relevant stakeholders are suing for peace and calling on political actors to be tolerant of opposition, thugs and hoodlums suspected to be sponsored by the opposition, audaciously attack the campaign train of the Senatorial candidate of a political party,” he noted.
The House also mandated the joint Committees on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.