The Delta State Government has condemned the reported political violence 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 threaten the peace of the state or prevent political parties from conducting lawful campaign activities.
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 ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.
Aniagwu said the government was particularly concerned about a viral video purportedly showing the incident, stressing that political competition must not degenerate into violence, thuggery, intimidation or harassment.
According to him, the Oborevwori administration maintains a zero-tolerance position on 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,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that political campaigns were not a licence for violence, adding that disagreements over political affiliations should never be allowed to endanger lives, disrupt communities or threaten public peace.
He assured that every political party, candidate and supporter had the right to campaign freely and peacefully anywhere in Delta State, provided their activities remained within the law.
Aniagwu said the state government would continue to take its message and record of achievements under the MORE Agenda to the people, but would not encourage its supporters to engage in confrontation or intimidate members of other political parties.
He urged supporters of both the ruling party and opposition parties to abide by the rules, warning that political competition should be based on ideas, programmes and records rather than physical confrontation.
“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,” Aniagwu said.
He 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.
The commissioner 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 appropriate measures against anyone attempting to disrupt public peace or 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 politicians and their supporters to compete through ideas, programmes and records rather than violence.
