Asaba rally turns deadly as Delta govt, Omo-Agege trade blame.
By Jimitota Onoyume THE Delta State Government and the Delta Central Senatorial candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, have traded accusations over the violence that erupted in Asaba on Saturday during a campaign rally by supporters of the party, leaving one person dead, several others injured and more than 30 vehicles vandalised.
While the state government blamed the organisers of the rally for allegedly disregarding security advice from the police, Omo-Agege accused government-sponsored thugs of attacking the campaigners.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, in a statement, condemned the violence, describing the incident as unfortunate and warning that the government would not condone political violence or thuggery in the state.
Aniagwu said the police had advised the organisers to shelve the proposed street march and relocate their campaign to a designated venue where adequate security arrangements could be provided. According to him, the organisers allegedly ignored the advice, resulting in a confrontation that claimed a life and left several people injured, while vehicles were damaged. He further called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice. Omo-Agege, a former Deputy President of the Senate, insisted that the NDC campaigners were attacked by thugs allegedly sponsored by the state government.
MSEApp News is publishing an original rewrite of this tip for readers, based on reporting associated with Vanguard.