Dr. Tonye Timi, Secretary of the Media and Publicity Committee for the Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council, has condemned the violence that erupted during a road procession by supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asaba.
The clash occurred on Saturday around 12:15 p.m. along Nnebisi Road, where the Obi/Kwankwaso (OK) Movement was holding a procession in support of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi. The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that one person died in the incident, while five others sustained injuries.
“This incident remains condemnable and I share my heartfelt sympathy with the family of the deceased, those who sustained injuries and all others affected by the unfortunate occurrence,” Timi said in a telephone interview on Sunday.
Timi described the event as a troubling reminder of the dangers of allowing political differences to degenerate into violence, warning that Delta State must not become a theatre for such conflicts. He emphasized that the sanctity of human life must remain paramount, stating that no political ambition or contest for power could justify the loss of innocent lives or the destruction of property.
The APC official noted that the party had committed to peaceful and issue-based campaigns at the inauguration of its state campaign council. He urged political actors to heed the advisory issued by the state command of the Nigeria Police Force, which cautioned against road processions due to security implications. Timi advised all parties to maintain effective communication with security agencies and to respect their professional assessments regarding public safety.
Calling for accountability, Timi stated that the police should be allowed to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation to identify those involved. He insisted that accountability must be based on evidence and that no individual should enjoy protection from the law on account of political affiliation or influence.
Finally, Timi appealed to political leaders to exercise restraint and caution their supporters against inflammatory rhetoric. He stressed that the credibility of the 2027 electoral process depends on the responsible conduct of political actors, urging residents of Delta State to reject political violence and protect the prevailing peace and harmony in the state.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
