The Nigerian House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the rising political violence across the country.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Frederick Agbedi (PDP, Bayelsa) and 16 lawmakers during Thursday’s plenary, calling for action to address several attacks recorded during political campaign activities ahead of the elections.
Suspected All Progressives Congress (APC) loyalists attacked Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters and a journalist at the party town hall meeting in Lagos on November 12, stealing the journalist’s camera and microphone.
One person was killed, and five others were injured after suspected thugs attacked an NDC rally in Asaba on November 8.
On November 4, Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, alleged that a mob attacked his convoy with stones during a political engagement in Calabar, Cross River state.
An APC supporters’ convoy travelling to Funtua for the campaign flag-off came under attack by suspected political thugs in Katsina on October 28, leaving a female traveller injured and vehicle windscreens smashed.
Agbedi, the minority leader of the house and the motion’s lead sponsor, warned that such incidents could lead to further loss of life, injuries and destruction of property, discourage citizens from participating in lawful political activities and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
“Allegations of responsibility for these incidents must be established through impartial, thorough, and evidence-based investigations,” he said.
He said section 40 of the 1999 constitution guarantees citizens the right to assemble freely and associate with others, including the right to form or belong to political parties.
The motion was unanimously adopted when put to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.
Following that, the house condemned all acts of violence, intimidation, assault and destruction of property connected with political rallies, processions, meetings, and other lawful political activities.
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