Delta govt orders probe into APC, NDC clash

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Suspected supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the All Progressives Congress clashed in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, on Friday, prompting the state government to direct security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable.

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While condemning the reported political violence in Effurun, the Delta State Government said it was “concerned about a viral video of the incident”, stressing that political rivalry must not be allowed to degenerate into violence, thuggery or intimidation.

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The PUNCH gathered that a violent clash erupted between suspected supporters of the two parties during an NDC campaign march in Effurun, after which an NDC leader allegedly accused the APC and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of sponsoring the attack.

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Reacting, the Delta State Government, through the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said in a statement that “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had directed the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident”.

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The government statement affirmed that “every political party, candidate and supporter had the right to campaign freely and peacefully anywhere in Delta State without harassment or obstruction”.

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“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 stated.

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The commissioner said “the state government maintained a zero-tolerance position on political violence, regardless of the political party or individuals involved”.

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According to him, “political campaigns are not a licence for violence, while differences in political affiliations should not threaten the peace of communities or the safety of citizens”.

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Aniagwu urged supporters of both the ruling and opposition parties to abide by the law, stressing that political competition must not become a battle for physical supremacy.

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He said the government would not protect anyone who violated the law, adding that political affiliation could not shield anyone from prosecution.

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“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.

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Aniagwu called on political leaders, candidates, youth and community leaders to restrain their supporters and ensure that campaign activities remained peaceful.

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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.

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The commissioner maintained that “no political ambition or party interest is worth the life of any Deltan”, urging politicians to “compete through ideas, programmes and records rather than violence”.

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