House of Reps to investigate senatorial Candidate’s Campaign Train Attack

The House of Representatives is to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of the attack on the campaign train of Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) senatorial candidate for Kogi Central, Kogi state, North-Central Nigeria.

This was sequel to a motion moved by Hon. Sergius Ose Ogun, Hon. Mohammed Bio, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, and Hon. Solomon Maren:

“The House notes 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.

“… 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;

“… 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.”

According to the House of Representatives, it was informed on 3rd of December, 2022 that suspected political thugs and hoodlums had 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.

“We 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.

“We are 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 attacked the campaign train of the senatorial candidate of a political party,” it said.

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

It urged the Inspector General of Police to investigate the attack on the campaign train and prosecute those directly and remotely responsible for the attack.

It also mandated the Committees on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.