Delta Govt Condemns Effurun Violence, Demands Peaceful Campaigns
THE Delta State Government 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).
The government warned that no individual or political group would be allowed to disrupt the peace of the state, stressing that political parties, candidates and their supporters had the right to campaign freely and peacefully across Delta.
The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Friday, saying Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had directed security agencies to investigate the incident and bring anyone found culpable to justice.
Aniagwu said the government was particularly concerned about a viral video of the incident and stressed that political rivalry must not degenerate into violence, thuggery or intimidation.
He said the position of the Oborevwori administration remained one of 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,” Aniagwu said.
The Commissioner stressed that political campaigns were not a licence for violence, adding that disagreements over political affiliations should not threaten the peace of communities or the safety of citizens.
Aniagwu said no political party would be prevented from campaigning anywhere in Delta State, provided its activities remained peaceful and within the law.
He said the state government would continue to take its message and record of performance to the people under the MORE Agenda, while discouraging supporters from engaging in confrontation or intimidation.
The Commissioner charged supporters of both the ruling and opposition parties to abide by the rules, warning that political competition must not become a contest for physical supremacy.
He said the government would neither protect anyone who violated the law nor permit political supporters to engage in activities 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.
Aniagwu called on political leaders, candidates, youth groups, community leaders and party 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.
The Commissioner 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 urged politicians to compete through ideas, programmes and records rather than violence, stressing that no election, political ambition or party interest was worth the life of any Deltan.
