*Press Release
28 October 2024.
*Re: Alex Mascot Ikwechegh*
Federalist Majority (Abuja & Washington DC), a gathering of patriotic Nigerians across religious, political and ethnic divide, condemns in strongest terms, the unacceptable behaviour of Mr Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, on October 27, 2024, involving acts of unprovoked verbal and physical assault on the person of Mr Stephen Abuwayseya, a Nigerian carrying out legal activity as a Bolt driver.
Mr Alex Ikwechegh, an indigene of Igbere, Bende LGA of Abia State and member representing Aba North & South Federal Constituency, has by this irresponsible and shameful action brought disrepute to the people he represents as well as the institution of the National Assembly.
Federalist Majority condemns the intimidation and harassment of any Nigerian, in any form or manner by power drunk public office holders.
Public Service is a role that requires humility, respect and civility.
We call on the relevant authorities to conduct the needful investigation and application of the rule of Law.
Section 355 and 327 of the criminal code act is very clear on the criminal acts of unlawful assault and threat to kill or cause bodily harm.
Federal Majority wish to use this opportunity to express deep concern about the increasing incidents of harassment and intimidation of Nigerians by some members of the National Assembly and public office holders.
The case of Mr Chikwendu Kalu, member representing Isiala Ngwa South and former speaker of Abia House of Assembly, who assaulted a FRSC officer for demanding that his wife put on her car seat belt, readily comes to mind.
We also recall the case of Senator Elisha Agbo, representing Adamawa North, who recklessly assaulted a Nigerian in a porn shop in the Wuse Area of Abuja.
The fatal shooting of a newspaper vendor, Mr Ifeanyichukwu Okereke by a security aide of former Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, remains very fresh in our memories.
We urge and appeal to our lawmakers and all public officers to treat Nigerians with the respect and dignity they are entitled to.
*Olufemi Adegbulugbe
Secretary General,
Federalist Majority (Abuja & Washington DC)
