Gruesome Murder of a Constituent Member: The Need for Urgent National Attention

The tragic and gruesome murder of Ernest Owoicho, a father of two, at the hands of personnel from the Nigerian Army has sent shockwaves through our community. His alleged invitation to the army on the 4th of April under the pretext of questioning, followed by reports of torture that resulted in his death, must not go unaddressed. As a community, we must call on Honourable Ojema to act decisively and raise this grave issue on the floor of the House of Representatives.

It is imperative that he brings forth the distressing details surrounding Ernest’s death to his fellow lawmakers. The evidence of torture, characterized by the scars left on his body from belts and whips, is a stark violation of human rights and an affront to our collective conscience. As stipulated in Section 34(1)(a) of the Nigerian Constitution, every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, which includes freedom from torture and inhumane or degrading treatment. The Constitution unequivocally mandates that no person shall be subjected to torture or inhumane treatment, indicating that the actions of the Nigerian Army in this case are not only unethical but also unconstitutional.

Moreover, it is the duty of lawmakers, as outlined in Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, to ensure the welfare and safety of the citizenry. The failure to address such a critical matter, especially one that involves state personnel and alleged gross human rights violations, could be interpreted as neglect of this sacred responsibility. It is a disservice to the victims and their families and undermines the trust that constituents place in their elected representatives.

Honourable Ojema must seize the opportunity to present this matter as a motion of urgent national importance. It is crucial that this case does not just remain a local issue or a behind the scenes investigation limited to military command. The need for accountability and justice must resonate beyond the confines of the barracks or local discussions as parade by social media mouth handlers; this alone demands attention on the national stage.

We call for a public apology from the Chief of Army Staff and an unequivocal commitment to proactive measures that ensure justice is served in this tragic case. The lives of our constituents and the integrity of our democratic institutions depend on the willingness of our representatives to act boldly in the face of injustice.

The time is now for Honourable Ojema member representing the good people of Apa-Agatu federal constituency to fulfill his constitutional duty and advocate for the rights of the constituents he represents. Let us not allow this grievous act to fade into silence. We demand that he raises this matter on the floor of the House without delay, ensuring that the world hears our cries for justice and accountability. It is time for our lawmaker to demonstrate his commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights within our communities.

Signed.

Paul Edoh Jnr