Call Delta Gov To Order – Omo-Agege Warns Tinubu Over Attack On NDC Members
Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has called on President Bola Tinubu to caution Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over the attack on members and supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a campaign march in Asaba.
Omo-Agege also demanded the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence, alleging that armed thugs acting on behalf of elements within the Delta State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) attacked the opposition campaigners.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, Omo-Agege said thousands of residents had gathered peacefully on Saturday to campaign for the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, when the attack occurred.
He alleged that the attackers were organised by the Oshimili South Keke Task Force/Revenue Collector, Chief Uche Ndu-Okafor.
According to the statement, more than 30 vehicles were destroyed, while over 10 members and supporters of the movement sustained injuries.
Among those reportedly injured were the State Coordinator of the Obidient/OK Movement, Hon. Favour Emerure, Akpovegho Noah, Ifeoma Enuagwuna, Clinton Ossai, Obiora Anaekwe, Emmanuel Ngene and Ikechukwu Michael.
Omo-Agege said the police had confirmed one death, adding that reports indicated the deceased was allegedly one of the attackers.
“Even one death is one too many. Whoever sent armed thugs into a peaceful march must answer for it,” he said.
He demanded that the police identify the deceased, establish the circumstances surrounding his death and prosecute everyone who allegedly organised and sponsored the attack.
The former senator accused the Oborevwori administration of allowing political violence to thrive in the state, citing previous attacks on NDC supporters in Usiefrun, Uvwie, Warri and Effurun.
He recalled that armed men allegedly attacked supporters who gathered to receive him in Usiefrun on August 13, leaving six people injured.
The NDC senatorial candidate also alleged that more than 50 armed men invaded a venue prepared for a campaign meeting in Uvwie on August 21.
Omo-Agege further cited an attack on the NDC’s One Million-Man March for its candidate, Chris Iyovwaye, on September 18, claiming that over 100 people sustained injuries during the incident.
He alleged that one of the attackers, identified as Collins Ogumashe, popularly known as Black Moses, was arrested by residents with an AK-47 rifle but released by the police on the same day without charges.
According to him, Governor Oborevwori had promised an investigation and prosecution following the incident, but no one had been charged.
“That silence is why Asaba happened. You let thugs go free in August, you invite them back in September. You let them go free in September, you invite them back in November. Impunity always brings more violence,” he said.
Omo-Agege accused the governor of failing to protect opposition supporters and urged him to stop the alleged intimidation and attacks against political opponents.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, we call on you directly: stop the barbarism; Deltans will not be intimidated by bloodletting. Stop the attacks. Stop the shielding of thugs. Stop turning Delta into a battleground because you fear losing an election,” he stated.
He also urged Tinubu to intervene before the situation in Delta State deteriorated further.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call Governor Oborevwori to order – now, before Delta descends fully into anarchy,” the statement added.
The former deputy Senate president further called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest and prosecute everyone allegedly involved in the attack, including the purported organiser.
He questioned who was financing the violence against opposition parties in the state.
“Who sent the thugs to Asaba? Who sent them to Warri? Who gave Black Moses an AK-47? Who is bankrolling this war against the opposition and the electorate of Delta State? Deltans deserve answers. And they will get them at the ballot box,” he said.
Omo-Agege maintained that opposition parties should be allowed to campaign freely, alleging that the current administration had made it difficult for his political associates to secure public facilities, use private venues and display campaign materials.
He also appealed to security agencies to provide adequate protection for opposition rallies and roadshows, describing peaceful political campaigning as a constitutional right.
He urged NDC supporters not to be intimidated by the attacks and appealed to youths in the state to reject recruitment into political violence.
“Do not allow yourselves to be used as thugs. Do not trade your future for a few Naira and bottles of drinks,” he said.
He maintained that political violence would not determine the outcome of the 2027 elections in Delta State, insisting that the electorate would have the final say through the ballot.
