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), warning that no individual or political group would be allowed to threaten the peace of the state.
The government also reaffirmed that all political parties, candidates and their supporters have the right to campaign freely and peacefully across Delta State without intimidation, harassment or obstruction.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Friday, saying Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had directed security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable faced the law.
Aniagwu said the government was particularly concerned about a viral video showing the incident, stressing that political competition must not degenerate into violence, thuggery or intimidation.
He said the position of the Oborevwori administration remained clear: there would be zero tolerance for political violence, irrespective 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 never be allowed to threaten the peace of communities or the safety of citizens.
According to him, no political party would be prevented from campaigning anywhere in Delta State, provided such activities were conducted peacefully and within the provisions of the law.
Aniagwu said the administration had recorded achievements across the state under the MORE Agenda and would continue to take its message and record of performance to the people, rather than encourage supporters to resort to confrontation or intimidation.
He therefore urged 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.
“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 and community leaders, as well as 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.
Aniagwu assured that the state government would continue to support lawful political activities while taking firm action against anyone whose actions threatened public peace or sought to prevent others from exercising their political rights.
He added that no election, political ambition or party interest was worth the life of any Deltan, urging political actors to compete through ideas, programmes and records rather than violence.
