Following a violent disruption during a political procession in Delta State, the Obi/Kwankwaso Movement has demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into the assault on supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). During a press briefing held in Asaba on Saturday, the Delta Coordinator of the movement, Mr Favour Emerue, called for the swift apprehension and prosecution of all individuals involved in the attack, including their alleged sponsors.
What happened during the Asaba procession?
武装 hoodlums reportedly targeted the peaceful One Million Man March in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, assaulting participants with dangerous implements such as clubs, knives, and machetes. According to the movement's coordinator, multiple supporters sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at different hospitals within the state. Additionally, numerous campaign vehicles belonging to the party were extensively damaged during the chaos.
Emerue characterized the violent episode as a direct assault on democratic engagement and the constitutional liberties guaranteed to citizens regarding freedom of assembly and association. He asserted that political adversaries likely felt threatened by the impressive turnout of NDC loyalists representing all 25 local government areas of Delta State. He maintained that those responsible resorted to aggression because they were unable to counter the party's rising political momentum through legitimate means.
What are the demands of the movement?
In response to the incident, the coordinator urged the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, to commission a comprehensive and impartial inquiry into the security breach. He further appealed to national security architecture, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, to track down the culprits and ensure they face the law.
Emerue stressed the necessity for security institutions to safeguard political actors and provide an environment where campaigns can proceed free from intimidation. Furthermore, he called upon the Independent National Electoral Commission, civil society groups, the media, and religious leaders to publicly denounce political violence.
Addressing party members, Emerue advised them to maintain law and order, steering clear of any retaliatory measures. He encouraged faithful supporters to channel their grievances through legal channels and demonstrate their political preferences peacefully at the ballot box, reiterating that political campaigns must remain free of intimidation and violence.