The Delta State Government has strongly condemned a reported political disturbance in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, involving suspected supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The government declared that no individual or political group would be allowed to disturb the peace of the state.
According to the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has directed security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring anyone found culpable to justice. The government expressed concern over a viral video of the incident and stressed that Delta would not allow political rivalry to degenerate into violence, thuggery or a culture of intimidation.
The Oborevwori administration has maintained a consistent stance of zero tolerance for political violence, regardless of the political party or individuals involved. Aniagwu emphasized that political campaigns were not a licence for violence and that disagreements over political affiliations must never threaten the peace of communities or the safety of citizens.
The government assured that no political party would be stopped from campaigning anywhere in Delta State, provided its activities remained peaceful and within the law. Aniagwu stated that the administration had recorded significant achievements across Delta under the MORE Agenda and would continue to take its message and record of performance to the people without encouraging confrontation or intimidation.
Aniagwu charged supporters of the ruling party and opposition parties to play by the rules, warning that political competition must never become a battle for physical supremacy. He stressed that the government would not protect anyone who violated the law and would not permit supporters of political parties to engage in acts capable of threatening public peace.
The commissioner called on political leaders, candidates, youth groups, community leaders and supporters to restrain their followers and ensure that campaign activities across the state remained peaceful. He also urged security agencies to remain vigilant and provide a level playing field for all political actors, stressing that the protection of citizens and their democratic rights must remain paramount.
Aniagwu said the state government would continue to support lawful political activities while taking firm measures against anyone attempting to disrupt the peace or prevent others from exercising their rights. He added that no election, political ambition or party interest was worth the life of any Deltan, urging politicians to compete with ideas, programmes and records rather than violence.
Key points
- The Delta State Government has condemned the reported political disturbance in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
- The government has directed security agencies to investigate the incident and bring anyone found culpable to justice.
- The administration has maintained a consistent stance of zero tolerance for political violence, regardless of the political party or individuals involved.
