The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, has expressed concerns over the sealing of the business premises of Amb. Tobore Alex Agbah by the Ughelli North Local Government Council. Iyovwaye called on the council and the Delta State Government to clarify the circumstances surrounding the enforcement action. The development occurred shortly after Agbah participated in a 10,000-man NDC march in Ughelli on Saturday.
Iyovwaye urged the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, to address the matter and called on the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies in the state to ensure the safety of members of the NDC and other political groups. He said Agbah had operated his business in the area for years and employed residents, adding that any regulatory concerns should be handled through established procedures.
The council chairman, however, said the enforcement action was unrelated to politics. Egbo stated that the property was constructed beneath a high-tension electricity line and that the council had issued notices concerning environmental and structural compliance before sealing the premises. The council had taken similar enforcement measures against other structures considered to be obstructing waterways or located beneath high-tension electricity lines.
Agbah disputed the council's explanation and maintained that the action was connected to his political activities. He said he was informed during the NDC march that officials had visited his property. Iyovwaye also appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene and ensure that the matter was resolved in accordance with applicable regulations and without regard to political affiliation.
Iyovwaye urged NDC supporters to remain peaceful, saying the party would continue to advocate its proposed "reset" for Delta State and Nigeria. The development comes amid increased political mobilisation in Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections. The circumstances surrounding the sealing of the premises remain disputed, with the council citing regulatory and safety concerns, while Agbah and Iyovwaye have raised questions about the timing of the enforcement action.
The NDC's concerns over the sealing of Agbah's premises highlight the tensions between political activities and regulatory enforcement in Delta State. Iyovwaye's call for clarity and due process reflects the party's commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting its members' rights. The incident has sparked debate over the role of local government councils in regulating businesses and the relationship between politics and enforcement actions.
The sealing of Agbah's premises has raised concerns about the impact on the business community and the economy in Delta State. As the 2027 general elections approach, the incident has become a focal point for discussions on the intersection of politics, business, and regulatory enforcement in the state. The NDC has called for a peaceful resolution to the matter, and stakeholders are watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.
Key points
- Delta NDC guber candidate Chris Iyovwaye criticises Ughelli council's sealing of businessman Amb. Tobore Alex Agbah's premises.
- The council cites regulatory and safety concerns, while Agbah and Iyovwaye raise questions about the timing of the enforcement action.
- The incident sparks debate over the role of local government councils in regulating businesses and the relationship between politics and enforcement actions.
