The Human Rights Advocacy Coalition, in conjunction with the Delta State Civil Society Organisational Forum and Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, has condemned a recent political clash in Warri and Effurun, Delta State. The coalition described the incident as an aftermath of "primitive and aggressive tribalism" and demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible. The group, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Pastor Edewor Egedegbe, called on security agencies to strictly enforce the Criminal Code Act against those responsible.
The coalition described the clash as "an existential assault on human dignity and a fundamental betrayal of the social contract." They acknowledged the Delta State Government's directive to law enforcement personnel to investigate the incident but urged the authorities to move beyond directives and ensure the immediate arrest of those responsible. The group also cited Sections 33 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantee the rights to life and freedom of movement.
The disruption of activities along the Effurun-Warri corridor affected residents, including market women, daily-wage workers, and business owners, who had to bear the consequences of the violence. The coalition condemned the use of violence in political activities, saying democracy should be based on the contest of ideas rather than physical attacks. The group emphasized that the ballot box is an instrument of human self-determination, not a justification for seasonal bloodletting.
The coalition further called on political leaders to publicly disown acts of violence and caution their supporters against hate speech and electoral sabotage. They urged traditional, religious, and community leaders in Delta State to join efforts to prevent further violence and protect public spaces. The group appealed to the residents of Effurun, Warri, and the Uvwie community not to allow themselves to be weaponized by elites.
The coalition emphasized that Delta State belongs to all of its residents and that Effurun and Warri are spaces for humans to flourish, not to be casualties for political gladiators. The group also acknowledged the contributions of support groups to political activities but cautioned them against creating structures that could function as alternatives to recognized party organs.
In a related development, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dissociated itself from a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council unveiled by the OK Movement, a support group backing Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The party described the campaign council as unauthorized, saying the list did not emanate from the NDC and should therefore be disregarded by members of the public and the media.
The NDC National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses, stressed that all candidates of the party remained subject to the authority and discipline of the party and were not contesting as independent candidates. He warned members, candidates, and support groups against announcing or operating campaign structures in the name of the party without approval from its National Working Committee (NWC).
Key points
- The Human Rights Advocacy Coalition demands the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the Delta State clash.
- The coalition condemns the use of violence in political activities and emphasizes the importance of the contest of ideas in democracy.
- The NDC dissociates itself from the OK Movement's unauthorized Presidential Campaign Council.
