Human Rights Group Urges Oborevwori To Act Against Alleged Political Violence In Delta

ASABA, DELTA STATE — A human rights organization, the Confab for the Actualization of Human Rights (CONFAB), has urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to take immediate action against the growing wave of alleged political violence in Delta State, warning that failure to act could be interpreted as an endorsement of such incidents.

In an open letter to the governor, the Director-General of the organization, Omes Ogedegbe, Esq., expressed concern over allegations that some political appointees in the state were involved in attacks targeting opposition political activities.

He cited the alleged attack on members of the NDC in Usiefrun and another reported incident in Abraka, describing the alleged attack on members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abraka as particularly troubling because of claims that persons linked to political appointees participated in the incident.

According to Ogedegbe, the repeated allegations surrounding political appointees and political violence were creating an unfortunate impression that those responsible might be acting with political protection.

He, however, said he did not believe the governor was directly involved, adding that this was why decisive action was necessary.

“The increasing wave of political violence allegedly targeted at opposition political activities in Delta State is becoming alarming, and the allegations that some political appointees are actively involved make the situation even more disturbing,” he stated.

He argued that there should be no reason for anyone associated with the government to resort to intimidation, violence or the disruption of political activities, particularly at a time when the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had continued to claim significant political gains in the state.

The rights advocate recalled previous concerns raised by the PDP over the possible use of federal influence to manipulate elections, noting that demands for a level playing field contributed to the credibility of the electoral process that returned former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for a second term.

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He maintained that the same democratic principles should guide the state’s political environment today.

“Every political party and every citizen must be allowed to organise, campaign, meet and express political opinions without fear of violence or intimidation,” he said.

Ogedegbe also referenced the governor’s recent action against the Commissioner for Works over an alleged assault, questioning why similar steps had not been taken against political aides and appointees repeatedly mentioned in allegations surrounding political violence.

He called on the governor to publicly condemn political violence, direct a transparent and impartial investigation into the reported incidents in Usiefrun and Abraka, and investigate the alleged involvement of political appointees and other individuals linked to the government.

He also urged the governor to direct security agencies to provide equal protection for all political parties and citizens lawfully exercising their constitutional rights, while warning political appointees and supporters against using violence and intimidation to settle political disagreements.

According to him, democracy cannot survive where political disagreement is answered with violence.

He warned against allowing Delta State to return to an era in which political meetings were disrupted, opposition voices were silenced and citizens were attacked because of their political affiliations.

Describing the matter as one that goes beyond the PDP, NDC, APC or any other political party, Ogedegbe said it was ultimately about protecting democracy and preserving the future of Delta State.

He urged the governor to act immediately before the situation escalated beyond control, stressing that while political power is temporary, the consequences of destroying democratic institutions could endure for generations.