Delta State has condemned the reported political disturbance in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, involving suspected supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that no individual or political group would be allowed to disturb the peace of the state.
In a strong warning to political actors across the state, the government said every political party, candidate and supporter has the right to campaign freely and peacefully in any part of the state without intimidation, harassment or obstruction.
State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, who stated this on Friday, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has directed security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring anyone found culpable to justice.
Aniagwu said the government is particularly concerned by the viral video of the incident, stressing that the state government would not allow political rivalry to degenerate into violence, thuggery or a culture of intimidation.
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He said the position of the Oborevwori administration has remained consistent that there would be zero tolerance for political violence, regardless of the political party or individuals involved.
“Governor Oborevwori has directed the security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that whoever is found to have participated in the act is made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that political campaigns were not a licence for violence, saying disagreements over political affiliations must never be allowed to threaten the peace of communities or the safety of citizens.
Aniagwu declared that no political party would be stopped from campaigning anywhere in Delta State, provided its activities remained peaceful and within the law.
He said 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 and would not encourage any of its supporters to resort to confrontation or intimidation.
Aniagwu therefore 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 said the government would not protect anyone who violating the law, just as it would not permit supporters of political parties to engage in acts capable of threatening public peace.
“Political affiliation is not a shield against the law. If anybody commits an offence, the law should take its course. We cannot preach peace and at the same time tolerate people who undermine it,” he said.
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.
