The Delta State Government has vowed to protect the right of political parties and their supporters to campaign peacefully across the state, following a reported disturbance during a political activity in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the government would not allow political disagreements to threaten the peace or prevent any party from exercising its lawful political rights.
The incident reportedly involved suspected supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the All Progressives Congress, with a video of the confrontation circulating online.
Aniagwu, who spoke in Asaba on Friday, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had directed security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable.
“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 said every political party, candidate and supporter had the right to campaign in any part of Delta, provided such activities remained peaceful and within the law.
He said the government would not tolerate a situation where supporters of either the ruling party or opposition parties prevented others from carrying out legitimate political activities.
“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 urged political leaders and candidates to caution their supporters against actions capable of causing violence, stressing that political differences should be settled through dialogue and lawful democratic processes.
Aniagwu also called on youth and community leaders to help control their followers and ensure that campaign activities did not endanger residents.
He urged security agencies to remain vigilant and protect the rights of all political actors to campaign peacefully across the state.
The commissioner said the government would continue to support lawful political activities but would act against conduct capable of disrupting public order.
He advised politicians to focus on their programmes, policies and records rather than physical confrontation, saying political interests should not be placed above the safety of residents.
