Delta: Omo-Agege Accuses Oborevwori Of Okaying Political Thuggery, Calls for Tinubu's Intervention

Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has condemned the attack on Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) campaigners in Asaba, Delta State, on Saturday, accusing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration of allowing political violence and calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene.

Omo-Agege also urged security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attack, which reportedly left several campaigners injured and one person dead.

The NDC Delta Central Senatorial District candidate described the incident as barbaric, alleging that armed thugs attacked peaceful campaigners during march organised by the Obidient/OK Movement in support of the NDC's 2027 presidential candidates, Mr Peter Obi and Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, Omo-Agege said thousands of Deltans, including women, traders, artisans, young people and professionals, had peacefully taken to the streets to canvass support for the NDC.

He said the procession was peaceful, joyful and orderly for about 20 minutes before armed men allegedly acting for elements in the Delta State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) attacked the unarmed campaigners.

The statement alleged that the attack was organised by the Oshimili South Keke Task Force/Revenue Collector, Chief Uche Ndu-Okafor.

According to Omo-Agege, more than 30 vehicles were smashed, while over 10 members and supporters of the movement sustained serious injuries.

Those reportedly injured included the State Coordinator of the Obidient/OK Movement, Hon. Favour Emerure; Mr Akpovegho Noah; Mrs Ifeoma Enuagwuna; Clinton Ossai; Mr Obiora Anaekwe; Emmanuel Ngene; and Ikechukwu Michael.

He also said the police had confirmed one death during the incident, adding that reports indicated that the deceased was 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, demanding that the police identify the deceased, establish how he died and prosecute everyone who organised and sponsored the attack.

Describing the incident as more than a political disagreement, Omo-Agege alleged that it was an act of terror driven by fear of the NDC's growing grassroots support in Delta State.

He maintained that the Asaba incident was not an isolated occurrence but part of what he described as a recurring pattern of attacks on opposition supporters under Governor Oborevwori's administration.

To support his position, he recalled previous incidents in Usiefrun, Uvwie, Warri and Effurun.

According to him, on August 13, armed men attacked supporters who had gathered to receive the NDC in Usiefrun, Ughelli South, leaving six people injured, several of whom were hospitalised.

He further alleged that on August 21, more than 50 armed men stormed Uvwie and destroyed a venue prepared for a campaign meeting.

Omo-Agege also recalled an alleged attack on the One Million-Man March organised for the NDC candidate, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, on September 18 in Warri and Effurun.

He said the march was ambushed at Angle Park, Uvwie Junction, Ugborokoko, Jakpa Road and Urhuomarho, with gunshots fired at participants.

According to him, more than 100 people sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals.

He further alleged that residents apprehended Collins Ogumashe, popularly known as Black Moses, recovered an AK-47 rifle from him and handed him over to the police.

However, Omo-Agege questioned why the suspect was allegedly released the same day without charges, despite claims that he had been caught with the rifle during the attack.

He accused Governor Oborevwori of failing to fulfil his promises to investigate the previous attacks, prosecute those responsible and ensure justice for the victims.

“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.

The former Deputy Senate President said the governor, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, could not distance himself from the responsibility of protecting residents and opposition supporters.

He also criticised the governor's response to the incidents, accusing him of hiding behind statements and press conferences by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu.

Omo-Agege consequently called on Oborevwori to stop what he described as barbaric attacks, alleged protection of political thugs and attempts to turn Delta into a battleground ahead of the 2027 elections.

He insisted that no amount of violence would intimidate Deltans or silence their political choices.

In a historical comparison of political activities in the state, Omo-Agege maintained that Delta State had never witnessed such restrictions and attacks on opposition parties under previous administrations, recalling that political parties campaigned freely under former governors James Ibori, Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ifeanyi Okowa without let or hindrance.

He, however, alleged that the situation had changed under the present administration, claiming that opposition groups were being denied access to public facilities for rallies, while private venue owners were allegedly threatened into withdrawing permission for political meetings.

He further alleged that opposition groups were being prevented from putting up billboards and posters and were now facing attempts to stop their road shows.

“We have never seen this in Delta State. Never,” he declared.

The former senator said his political associates would not allow such restrictions to stop them from exercising their democratic rights.

He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by calling Governor Oborevwori to order before the state descended further into anarchy.

He also urged security agencies to provide protection for political marches, rallies and road shows, stressing that such protection was a constitutional right and not a favour.

Describing the situation as a threat to democracy, Omo-Agege declared: “This is not Delta. This is not democracy. This is tyranny by thuggery. Elections will not be won with machetes instead of ideas. Government-sponsored violence will not decide the outcome of elections in Delta State.”

He called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest and prosecute everyone involved in the Asaba attack, including the alleged organiser, Chief Uche Ndu-Okafor.

He said the security agencies should go beyond announcing investigations and ensure that those responsible faced the full weight of the law.

Omo-Agege also demanded answers on those allegedly behind the attacks in Asaba and Warri, who supplied weapons to the perpetrators and those financing what he described as a campaign of violence against the opposition and the electorate in Delta State.

“Deltans deserve answers. And they will get them at the ballot box,” he said.

Addressing NDC supporters, he urged them not to be intimidated or abandon public spaces to political thugs, assuring them that the movement would continue its activities peacefully.

He said supporters would protect their rallies, document attacks, identify perpetrators and respond through the ballot box.

He also appealed to youths in the state not to allow themselves to be recruited as political thugs for financial rewards, warning that they risked sacrificing their future for the interests of political sponsors.

According to him, the children of those allegedly sponsoring political violence were enjoying peaceful lives, while vulnerable youths were being used for dangerous assignments.

He urged the youths to reject violence and choose a better future for themselves.

Omo-Agege also commended residents of Asaba, particularly bystanders, shop owners, traders, artisans and youths, for allegedly coming to the aid of campaigners when the attack occurred.

He said residents protected fellow citizens, shielded the injured and chased away attackers, describing their actions as a reflection of the true spirit of Delta State.

He reiterated that the NDC and its supporters would not be intimidated or silenced by violence.

“We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced. We will not hand Delta over to thugs,” he declared.

The statement ended with the message: “A New Nigeria is Possible. A Reset Delta Cannot Wait.”

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