The camp of former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has faulted Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, over his description of recent attacks on Omo-Agege’s supporters as a “campaign strategy.”
Godwin Anaughe, Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications to Omo-Agege, said the commissioner’s response was troubling, arguing that allegations of political violence should be investigated rather than dismissed.
In a statement, Anaughe alleged that armed men attacked members of Omo-Agege’s political group on August 13 during a ward-to-ward engagement in Usiefrun, Ughelli South Local Government Area, leaving six people injured, some of whom reportedly required hospital treatment.
He further alleged that on August 21, more than 50 armed men invaded and destroyed a venue prepared for a campaign meeting in Uvwie Local Government Area.
According to him, witnesses alleged that the leader of the group, identified as Emmanuel Erube, threatened that Omo-Agege would be killed if he appeared for campaign activities in the area.
Anaughe called for an “immediate investigation” into the two incidents, including the alleged threats against Omo-Agege, as well as an investigation into whether anyone directed, financed or facilitated the attacks.
He said anyone found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law.
The Omo-Agege aide also rejected Aniagwu’s claim that the former senator “has no message,” saying the former Deputy President of the Senate had been engaging voters, party members and supporters across Delta Central as part of his political activities.
Anaughe argued that political disagreements should be settled through open debate and engagement with voters rather than violence or intimidation.
He also challenged the state government to provide answers to questions raised by Omo-Agege regarding the management of public funds in Delta State, particularly claims concerning revenues accruing to the state under the present administration.
On the Emevor-Orogun Road project, Anaughe said the project should be completed because of its importance to residents, but argued that development projects should not be used to deflect attention from allegations of political violence.
“Development and security aren’t a trade-off. Deltans shouldn’t have to accept one in place of the other,” he said.
Anaughe further criticised the description of Delta State as peaceful while, according to him, supporters of Omo-Agege were recovering from an alleged armed attack and a campaign venue had been destroyed.
He said the demand for accountability was not aimed at engaging in a political “mud fight,” but at ensuring that citizens could participate in political activities without fear or intimidation.
“Our position is simple. We’re calling for an immediate investigation, in line with Nigerian law, into Emmanuel Erube and everyone alleged to have taken part in these attacks,” Anaughe said.
He maintained that the allegations should be subjected to an impartial investigation and that the public deserved clear answers on the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The statement came in response to Aniagwu’s recent comments on Arise News, in which he reportedly dismissed the attacks as part of a campaign strategy and questioned Omo-Agege’s political message.
Aniagwu’s position and the allegations made by the Omo-Agege camp could not be independently verified from the statement.
