The Campaign Council of the Nigeria Demoratic Congrese NDC Governorship Candidate in Delta State has strongly condemned the reported attacks and disruption of the peaceful One-Million- Man March held in Warri/Effurun, Delta State.
A statement signed by Chief Mulade Alfred,
Director General of the council called on relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the incident.
According to the organisers of the One-Million-Man, which started around 8am was attacked shortly after the procession got underway.
They claimed that the attacks occurred at several locations, including Airport Road by Total, Airport Road by the traffic light/link road, Ogboroke in Warri, and Jakpa Junction before the Refinery Junction.
Ambassador Young Piero, Convener of the Local Boys and Girls Movement Support Group and organiser of the One Million Man March for Obi-Kwankwaso in Uvwie and Warri, Delta State, in his account of the incidents claimed that individuals suspected of being political thugs and armed with firearms and other dangerous objects, including bottles, knives, logs of wood and stones allegedly confronted the procession with the aim to disrupt the peaceful political procession.
The organisers reported that at Jakpa Junction, an individual identified as Collins Egbara was allegedly seen carrying an AK-47 rifle but was disarmed and handed over to the police.
They said that five persons who sustained injuries during the attacks were rushed to hospital for medical attention.
The Deacon Chris Campaign Council called on the Inspector General of Police, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to conduct an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the incident.
It said the investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the reported attacks, the identities and affiliations, if any, of those involved, whether firearms or other weapons were used, the circumstances surrounding the reported recovery and handover of the AK-47, the number and nature of injuries sustained by participants, and whether any individuals or groups organised or coordinated the reported attacks.
The Campaign Council further called for anyone found culpable through a credible investigation to be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
‘”We note that the Delta State Government has directed security agencies to investigate the reported confrontation and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law. “We welcome this directive and urge the relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive, transparent and conducted without fear or favour.
The Campaign Council reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful democratic participation and the constitutional right of citizens to freely associate, assemble and participate in political activities.
“We urge all members and supporters of the campaign to remain peaceful, disciplined and law-abiding while allowing the appropriate authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
“Political differences should never become a justification for violence, intimidation or the disruption of peaceful political activities.
“The people of Delta State have the right to participate freely in democratic activities without intimidation, violence or fear’.
