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Fish out perpetrators, govt directs Security Agencies 

By Our Reporter

The Delta State Government has declared that every political party, candidate and supporter has the right to campaign freely anywhere in the state without intimidation, harassment or obstruction, provided such activities remain peaceful and within the law.

The government’s declaration followed a reported political disturbance in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, involving suspected supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, who stated this on Friday, said the administration would not allow political rivalry to degenerate into violence or threaten the peace and security of Deltans.

Aniagwu said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had directed security agencies to thoroughly investigate the Effurun incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.

The commissioner said the government was particularly concerned about a viral video of the incident, stressing that political competition must not become an avenue for thuggery, intimidation or physical confrontation.

“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.

Aniagwu stressed that the administration’s position on political violence remained unchanged, insisting that there would be zero tolerance for acts capable of undermining public peace, irrespective of the political party or individuals involved.

According to him, political campaigns were not a licence for violence, while differences in political affiliation must never be allowed to threaten communities or the safety of citizens.

He reiterated that no political party would be stopped from campaigning in any part of Delta State, provided its activities were conducted peacefully and within the law.

The commissioner said the Oborevwori administration had recorded significant achievements under its MORE Agenda and would continue to take its message and record of performance to the people without encouraging its supporters to resort to confrontation or intimidation.

He charged supporters of the ruling and opposition parties to play by the rules, warning that political competition must never become a battle 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,” Aniagwu said.

He 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.

Aniagwu 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.

He 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 political rights.

The commissioner 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.