Delta Governor Oborevwori: Issues Delta Political Violence Investigation Order

• Suspected supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed violently in Effurun, Delta State, during a campaign march.
• Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has ordered security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and prosecute all culpable individuals.
• The Delta State Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards political violence, regardless of party affiliation.
• Political campaigns are not a license for violence, and political affiliation will not shield offenders from legal consequences.

The state government has made it abundantly clear that political affiliation offers no immunity from prosecution for unlawful acts.

A recent political disturbance in Effurun, located within Delta State's Uvwie Local Government Area, saw suspected members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) engage in a violent confrontation. The clash reportedly erupted on a Friday during an NDC campaign march, drawing swift condemnation from the Delta State Government. This incident, which has prompted a Delta State APC NDC clash probe, quickly escalated, leading to an allegation from an NDC leader that the APC and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori were behind the aggression.

The state government expressed significant concern over a viral video circulating online that depicted the unrest. In response, it promptly issued a directive emphasizing that political competition should never devolve into violence, thuggery, or intimidation. This immediate reaction underscores the government's commitment to maintaining peace and order amidst electoral activities and ensuring that such disruptions are addressed decisively.

Following the Effurun incident, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has issued a clear and unequivocal Delta political violence investigation order, instructing security agencies to conduct a thorough inquiry into the events. This Governor Oborevwori security agencies directive mandates that anyone found responsible for participating in the violence must face the full force of the law. Charles Aniagwu, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, conveyed this directive in a statement, reaffirming the administration's stance on upholding public safety and order.

The government's communication highlighted its Delta State zero-tolerance political violence policy, asserting that political campaigns do not grant a license for aggression. It stressed that differing political affiliations should not jeopardize community peace or citizen safety. Every political party, candidate, and supporter is guaranteed the right to campaign freely and peacefully across Delta State, without encountering harassment or obstruction, and this right must be protected by all.

The state government has made it abundantly clear that political affiliation offers no immunity from prosecution for unlawful acts. Commissioner Aniagwu underscored that if an individual commits an offense, the legal process must proceed unimpeded, regardless of their political ties. This firm Nigeria political violence prosecution policy aims to ensure accountability and deter future acts of electoral unrest, signaling a robust approach to maintaining the rule of law.

Aniagwu further urged both ruling and opposition party supporters to adhere strictly to legal provisions, emphasizing that political rivalry should not transform into a struggle for physical dominance. He called upon political leaders, candidates, youth, and community leaders to actively restrain their followers and ensure that all campaign activities remain peaceful. The directive also implored security agencies to maintain vigilance and guarantee a fair playing field for all political actors, prioritizing the protection of citizens and their democratic rights. The government's position is resolute: no political ambition or party interest justifies the loss of any Deltan's life, reinforcing the serious Effurun electoral unrest legal consequences for those who choose violence over dialogue and ideas, and highlighting the state's commitment to peaceful democratic processes.

Lawyers advising political parties, candidates, or individuals in Delta State should be aware of the government's firm directive to security agencies to investigate and prosecute political violence. This signals an increased legal risk for those involved in such clashes, regardless of political affiliation, and reinforces the state's commitment to enforcing the rule of law during electoral activities.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH