Omo-Agege Urges Tinubu to Intervene in Delta State Violence

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has condemned the attack on members and supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a campaign march in Asaba, Delta State. The incident occurred on Saturday, with thousands of residents having gathered peacefully to campaign for the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. According to Omo-Agege, armed thugs acting on behalf of elements within the Delta State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) attacked the opposition campaigners.

Omo-Agege demanded the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence, alleging that the attackers were organised by the Oshimili South Keke Task Force/Revenue Collector, Chief Uche Ndu-Okafor. The attack resulted in the destruction of over 30 vehicles and injuries to more than 10 members and supporters of the movement. Among those reportedly injured were the State Coordinator of the Obidient/OK Movement, Hon. Favour Emerure, Akpovegho Noah, Ifeoma Enuagwuna, Clinton Ossai, Obiora Anaekwe, Emmanuel Ngene, and Ikechukwu Michael.

The police confirmed one death, with reports indicating that the deceased was allegedly one of the attackers. Omo-Agege stated that even one death was one too many and that whoever sent armed thugs into a peaceful march must answer for it. He demanded that the police identify the deceased, establish the circumstances surrounding his death, and prosecute everyone who allegedly organised and sponsored the attack.

Omo-Agege accused the Oborevwori administration of allowing political violence to thrive in the state, citing previous attacks on NDC supporters in Usiefrun, Uvwie, Warri, and Effurun. He recalled that armed men allegedly attacked supporters who gathered to receive him in Usiefrun on August 13, leaving six people injured. The NDC senatorial candidate also alleged that more than 50 armed men invaded a venue prepared for a campaign meeting in Uvwie on August 21.

Omo-Agege further cited an attack on the NDC’s One Million-Man March for its candidate, Chris Iyovwaye, on September 18, claiming that over 100 people sustained injuries during the incident. He alleged that one of the attackers, identified as Collins Ogumashe, popularly known as Black Moses, was arrested by residents with an AK-47 rifle but released by the police on the same day without charges. According to him, Governor Oborevwori had promised an investigation and prosecution following the incident, but no one had been charged.

Omo-Agege urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene before the situation in Delta State deteriorated further, calling on Governor Oborevwori to stop the alleged intimidation and attacks against political opponents. He also called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest and prosecute everyone allegedly involved in the attack, including the purported organiser.

Omo-Agege maintained that opposition parties should be allowed to campaign freely, alleging that the current administration had made it difficult for his political associates to secure public facilities, use private venues, and display campaign materials. He appealed to security agencies to provide adequate protection for opposition rallies and roadshows, describing peaceful political campaigning as a constitutional right.

Key points

• Omo-Agege demands the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack on NDC members and supporters in Asaba.
• The former Deputy President of the Senate urges President Tinubu to intervene in the situation in Delta State.
• Omo-Agege accuses the Oborevwori administration of allowing political violence to thrive in the state.