Civil Rights Group Demands Immediate Suspension of Federal Lawmaker
The Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria (CRCN) has issued a strong call for the immediate suspension of Hon. Afam Victor Ogene from the House of Representatives. The group alleges that the federal lawmaker has engaged in controversial political tactics that undermine the integrity of the National Assembly and create unnecessary division among legislators.
Accusations of Undermining Parliamentary Integrity
According to the CRCN, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene has orchestrated a politically motivated campaign through the Minority Caucus that has sown confusion and distracted from critical national priorities. The group claims his actions represent a clear abuse of his legislative position and have eroded public confidence in the House of Representatives.
Dr. Gabriel Idoko, President of the Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria, stated that Ogene's behavior appears to be a desperate attempt to gain cheap popularity and revive his faltering political career. This criticism comes following Ogene's recent defection from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress amid internal party turmoil.
Specific Allegations Against the Lawmaker
The CRCN has outlined several specific concerns regarding Ogene's conduct:
- Leading ad-hoc committees outside formal parliamentary channels
- Publicly alleging "three different versions" of tax laws without proper evidence
- Calling for investigations into unspecified perpetrators through reckless speculation
- Prioritizing partisan point-scoring over legislative unity and due process
Dr. Idoko emphasized that Ogene's actions border on defamation and legislative grandstanding rather than constructive oversight. The group contends that this behavior violates the decorum expected of lawmakers and sets a dangerous precedent for factional overreach within the National Assembly.
Concerns About Legislative Precedent
The Civil Rights Congress warns that allowing Hon. Ogene to continue unchecked would embolden similar tactics by other legislators. They express concern that this could transform the legislature into a stage for self-promotion and factional battles rather than focused law-making.
The group specifically criticized the Minority Caucus under Ogene's leadership for releasing an interim report amid ongoing official mechanisms, which they claim fuels unnecessary division and public misinformation on what should be resolved legislative matters.
Call for Disciplinary Action
The CRCN maintains that suspension remains the necessary disciplinary response to deter such disruptive conduct. They argue that this action would safeguard the House of Representatives from being exploited for individual political resurrection and would reinforce proper parliamentary procedures.
The statement from the Civil Rights Congress was issued on Monday, January 26, 2026, and represents growing concern about legislative conduct in Nigeria's National Assembly. The group's intervention highlights ongoing tensions within parliamentary processes and the importance of maintaining institutional harmony for effective governance.
