House Condemns Attack on Campaign Train of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Paschal Emeka, Abuja

The House of Representatives has condemned the attack on the campaign train of Mrs. Natasha Akpoti–Uduaghan describing it as an act of political intolerance that should not be tolerated.

The condemnation followed a motion of urgent public importance jointly moved at plenary on Wednesday, by Hon. Sergius Ose Ogun and Hon. Julius Ihonvbere entitled ‘Need to Investigate and Prosecute the Perpetrators of the Attack on the Campaign train of Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Kogi State.

They noted that section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that the security and welfare of the people of Nigeria shall be the primary purpose of government

They further observed 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.

“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 lawmakers 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.

They are 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.

“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.

The House, therefore, condemned the attack on the campaign train of Mrs. Natasha Akpoti–Uduaghan as an act of political intolerance that should not be tolerated and urged the Inspector General of Police to investigate the attack on the campaign train of Mrs. Natasha Akpoti–Uduaghan and prosecute those directly and remotely responsible for the attack.

Furthermore, the House mandates its Committees on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.