Efemena Umukoro Faults Police, APC Over Asaba Political Violence, Commends Asagba

A political commentator, Efemena Umukoro, has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the police over the political violence that occurred during a campaign rally in Asaba, Delta State, while commending the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Professor Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, for his response to the incident.

Umukoro, in a video commentary, condemned what he described as attempts by APC supporters to blame the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, for the violence.

He expressed appreciation to the Asagba for disowning a purported palace statement circulating on social media, which allegedly blamed Obi for the incident.

The palace had reportedly described the statement as fake, insisting that it did not emanate from the traditional institution.

Umukoro accused the APC of engaging in propaganda rather than addressing the circumstances surrounding the violence.

He said, “Instead of wasting your time thinking for a defence, why don’t you do what is right? Nobody is talking about what provoked the action. Everybody is thinking about the action from the provocation.”

He also questioned the ruling party’s interest in Delta State, challenging its leaders to allow residents to freely exercise their democratic rights.

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“If you have nothing to fear, why don’t you allow people to exercise their franchise in Delta State?” he asked.

The commentator also called on the Delta State Commissioner of Police to investigate the attacks and identify security personnel who allegedly failed to prevent the violence.

He argued that the police should prioritise crime prevention rather than relying solely on reactive policing.

According to him, the failure of security personnel to intervene during the incident could further erode public confidence in the police and encourage citizens to resort to self-help.

Umukoro said the police had sufficient opportunity to rescue individuals who were allegedly attacked during the incident, but failed to act.

He urged the Commissioner of Police to investigate the conduct of officers deployed to the affected areas and hold any personnel found negligent accountable.

The commentator also criticised what he described as the use of political thugs to intimidate opponents and voters, warning that such actions could undermine democratic participation in the state.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address alleged threats against voters, particularly a reported statement by a local government chairman warning residents against voting for the APC’s opponents.

Umukoro argued that political leaders should not be allowed to make statements capable of intimidating voters without consequences.

He warned that political violence could have long-term consequences for the state, saying that criminal elements tolerated for political reasons could eventually turn against the same political leaders who empowered them.

“The crime you fail to crush today will crush you tomorrow,” he said.

He also cautioned young people against accepting money to participate in political violence, stressing that their lives were more valuable than any financial inducement.

The commentator, however, praised the Asagba of Asaba for what he described as courageous leadership and for refusing to endorse the ruling party.

He said the traditional ruler had demonstrated that royal fathers could defend the interests of the people and promote credible elections without political bias.

Umukoro called on traditional rulers in Delta State and other parts of the country to emulate the Asagba’s conduct.

He prayed for the monarch’s long life, peace in Asaba and prosperity for the people of the community.

The political violence in Asaba has continued to generate reactions, with calls for accountability, improved security and the protection of citizens’ democratic rights.