I just watched this disturbing video, allegedly showing Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a member of the Federal House of Representatives, physically assaulting and intimidating innocent Nigerian.
The victims’ sole offense was attempting to earn a living as a bọlt driver.
In this video, the honourable member slapped the driver three times and boasted that he possesses the power to eliminate the driver without facing consequences, implying a threat to the driver’s life.
Furthermore, Hon. Ikwechegh allegedly claimed that his influence extends to the highest echelons of law enforcement, declaring that even the Inspector General of Police cannot take action against him. Hmmmm this is serious!
To substantiate his claims, he brazenly dared the driver to contact the IG, confident that it would be to no avail.
Now, I am most troubled by reports of unexplained disappearances and extrajudicial killings in some villages like Omasi where someone was killed like chicken in his house, yet no one has questioned that act till today. Even the Governor of Anambra State didn’t say anything about it.
Does it means that it’s people like Hon. Alex that go about eliminating people and no one dare to question them because they are above the law?
What really is Nigeria turning to?
This recent video alleging Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh’s involvement in physical assault and intimidation of innocent Nigerians, particularly a bọlt driver, is against what we believe in as a people.
His purported boast about being able to eliminate people without consequences is especially disturbing at this period of insecurity. And at this point, it will be good for Hon. Ikwechegh to provide clarity on the number of innocent Nigerians he has allegedly made to disappear.
I refuse to believe that a lawmaker could be this oppressive. How can someone make law and turn the next day to break the same law? I thought threats and assault are against the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? It is unconscionable that an elected representative would engage in such blatant abuse of power, threatening and assaulting citizens they are sworn to protect.
If this is not addressed properly, other lawmakers may be tempted to follow that path thinking it’s right. This behaviour is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of democracy.
Withal, I urgently call upon the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to initiate an immediate investigation into this matter. I equally call upon the Inspector General of Police to launch a comprehensive probe. The Department of State Services (DSS) should also join in investigating this egregious abuse of power against some of these leaders who think they are permitted to take laws into their hands.
If left unchecked, Hon. Ikwechegh’s actions will tarnish the reputation of the National Assembly and undermine public trust. We cannot permit such impunity to persist. Justice must be served, and accountability must be ensured.
Chukwuma Okafor, PhD(c)
(Ebubenna)
Political Activist
A member of the Illiterate Population of Anambra State.
28102024
