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A Kuje Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory has set November 8 for the trial of Alexander Ikwechegh, the House of Representatives member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State.

He was granted bail of N500,000 after being arraigned on charges of assault.

Ikwechegh appeared before Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id on Wednesday, facing accusations of assaulting a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, at his residence in Abuja.

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He pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include abuse of office, assault, and threats to life, as brought forth by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

Following the plea, Ikwechegh’s counsel requested bail, which the court granted under specific conditions: two sureties residing within the court’s jurisdiction, each also required to provide utility bills as proof of residence.

The court then adjourned the case until November 8.

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The incident gained significant attention after a video surfaced on social media, showing Ikwechegh allegedly assaulting Abuwatseya.

In the footage, he is seen slapping the driver multiple times while threatening him with severe consequences.

In response to the incident, the civil society organization Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) condemned Ikwechegh’s actions, describing them as a blatant abuse of power commonly seen among politicians.

Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma emphasized that this incident reflects poorly not only on Ikwechegh but on the entire House of Representatives.

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Nwanguma stated, “The brutal treatment of Uber driver Stephen Abuwatseya by federal lawmaker Alex Ikwechegh is a stark example of the abuse of power prevalent in Nigeria’s political landscape. Such behavior highlights a disturbing trend where officials operate above the law, demonstrating a lack of respect for citizens’ rights.”

He further noted that while the House’s decision to investigate the matter is a positive step, it remains uncertain whether this will lead to meaningful accountability.

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He urged that justice be served not just for Abuwatseya but for all victims of similar abuses, calling for reforms that prioritize human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria.

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The House of Representatives passed a significant bill on Wednesday that mandates a maximum 14-year prison sentence for lecturers and school administrators found guilty of sexual harassment against students in tertiary institutions.

Titled “A Bill to Prevent, Prohibit and Redress Sexual Harassment of Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions and for Related Matters,” the legislation was approved following a report presented by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.

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According to the bill, individuals convicted of the offences outlined in Clause 4 (1), (2), and (3) will face felony charges and can be sentenced to imprisonment for up to 14 years, with a minimum term of 5 years and no option for a fine. Those found guilty of offences listed in Clause 4 (4), (5), and (6) face up to 5 years in prison, with a minimum of 2 years, also without an option for a fine.

The legislation defines sexual harassment in educational settings as any unwelcome physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature directed at a student or prospective student, including demands for such conduct regardless of consent.

It also includes creating a hostile or intimidating environment through unsolicited sexual advances or requests for sexual favors.

Additional offences covered by the bill include making sexual remarks, gestures, or comments that demean, humiliate, or body-shame a student based on appearance, as well as stalking or any unwanted attention that causes fear or discomfort.

Importantly, the bill states that consent cannot be used as a defense if a power imbalance exists between the educator and the student.

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However, it does specify that being legally married to the student can serve as a defense against any charges under this legislation.

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Suleiman Abubakar Gumi, a member of the House of Representatives from Zamfara State, has left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

His defection was announced during Wednesday’s plenary session by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, who read a letter from Gumi.

The representative for the Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency cited ongoing internal and external crises within the PDP as his reason for leaving, highlighting a factional split in his constituency with two chairmen claiming party leadership.

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The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause from APC members in attendance.

However, the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, challenged the defection, reminding the House that the Nigerian Constitution stipulates that lawmakers who defect from their party risk losing their seats.

He urged the Speaker to declare Gumi’s seat vacant in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Gumi’s defection comes just two weeks after he was appointed Chairman of the newly established House Committee on the North West Development Commission.

On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed seven new ministerial nominees presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The newly appointed ministers include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Labour and Employment), and Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu (Foreign Affairs – State). The other nominees are Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade and Development), Idi Mukhtar Maiha (Livestock Development), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (Housing – State), and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad (Education – State).

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The screening, initially scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed to allow the nominees to complete their documentation, according to Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters.

This confirmation follows President Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle, which included the dismissal of six ministers and the introduction of seven new ones, along with portfolio changes for ten other ministers.

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During the plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from the President requesting the Senate’s approval of the nominees in accordance with Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Akpabio urged the new ministers to fulfill their mandates by contributing to the implementation of Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

He also called on future presidents to adopt the practice of assigning portfolios to ministerial nominees before their screening at the National Assembly.

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A light-hearted moment occurred during the Senate screening of Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu on Wednesday, following President Bola Tinubu’s recent submission of seven ministerial nominees for approval.

This screening marked a notable change, as it was the first time since 1999 that specific roles for the nominees were disclosed to the Senate.

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio introduced the nominees, which included Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Ph.D.

When it was Ojukwu’s turn, she presented her credentials and achievements.

Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West, expressed a desire to speak and began by complimenting Ojukwu’s beauty, which drew reactions from other senators.

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“Mr. President, the beautiful nominee standing before us today is…” he started, but Akpabio quickly interjected, saying, “Restrict yourself to the resume. Forget this word beautiful. She didn’t put in her CV that she is beautiful.” His comment prompted laughter among the senators.

During her screening, Ojukwu, the widow of former Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, highlighted the poor condition of the Nigerian embassy in Madrid, where she served as ambassador.

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She shared her experience of living in a hotel for a year due to the embassy’s dilapidated state.

“My past records speak for me. When I arrived in Spain, the embassy was in such an appalling condition that I spent an entire year in one hotel room,” she said.

“The embassy, located near the upscale estate of Galagao, was a disappointing representation of Nigeria in such a prestigious area. The current state of the Nigerian embassy in Madrid reflects the improvements made during my tenure.”

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Just two weeks before the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, Susan Gbemisola Alabi, the deputy governorship candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa welcomed Alabi into the APC during his campaign visit to Akoko North West Local Government Area on Wednesday.

Alabi expressed her admiration for Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, stating that his commitment to delivering democracy’s benefits inspired her decision to switch parties.

“I am officially leaving the SDP for the APC because I believe Governor Aiyedatiwa possesses the qualities needed to lead this state effectively,” she said.

“I’ve been following his campaign and believe he deserves our support to win the upcoming election. I will also bring my supporters from the SDP along.”

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During a vibrant campaign rally in Oke Agbe, Aiyedatiwa embraced Alabi’s decision and assured her and her supporters of a warm welcome within the APC.

He reiterated his administration’s dedication to improving security, health, infrastructure, and agriculture.

The governor, who is the APC’s candidate in the upcoming election, shared plans for a well-structured 2025 budget aimed at addressing the developmental needs of all regions in Ondo State.

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“We are making progress across sectors, but development takes time and must be approached step by step,” he remarked.

Aiyedatiwa also thanked local monarchs for their support during the APC primaries, receiving assurances from the Owa of Ogbagi, Olasehinde Ojo Adetona, who represented the 27 traditional rulers.

The monarch emphasized their unity in supporting Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy, stating, “In Akoko North-West, there is no opposition to your candidacy; we will deliver our votes.”

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Ifeoluwa Ehindero, a member of the House of Representatives, joined the rally, urging the community to back Aiyedatiwa for continued progress on ongoing projects.

At another rally in Oke Irun, Aiyedatiwa highlighted the importance of collective support from party members in securing victory.

He stressed that the success of the APC relies on unity and active participation from all supporters.

While addressing enthusiastic crowds at Afin-Akoko, the governor explained his deliberate choice to visit key areas within the local government.

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“I wanted to see and hear your challenges firsthand so I can address them effectively,” he concluded.