Nigeria Content Online

Leaders of
political parties in Delta State have raised alarm over what they
describe as increasing rate of politically-motivated violence across
the state.

They called on the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Federal Government
and security agencies in the country to wade in to avoid bloodshed
during the April polls. Chairman of the Registered Political Parties in
Delta State, Obaro Unuaefe who raised the alarm at a press conference
held at the Press centre, Warri, noted that the recent attack on
members of the Peoples’ Progressive Party (PPP) in Warri could lead to
total breakdown of law and order in the state if not properly checked.

Last Thursday, the
House of Assembly candidate of the PPP for Warri South Constituency 11,
Vincent Okudolor and his supporters who were on campaign tour to
Edjeba, Warri, were attacked by political thugs suspected to be
supporters of a House of Assembly aspirant residing in the area. The
incident led to the destruction of five vehicles and burning of about
eight houses belonging to members of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN),
Democratic People’s Party (DPP) and inflicting of injuries on persons
who were within the vicinity of the attack.

Mr. Unuaefe, who
described the incident as callous, unwarranted and a breach of the
fundamental rights of PPP members in Edjeba, called on the state
government to provide a level playing ground for all political parties
to canvass for support. He pointed out that the much publicized peace
and security of the state may be ridiculed if the spate of attacks
continues unabated.

The political
leader also warned that political parties in the state will not succumb
to the threat and intimidation allegedly being carried out by some
candidates of the ruling Peoples’ Democratic party; saying they are
prepared to go to the polls to decide who is popular. “The political
parties should give the electorate the opportunity to decide their
leaders and not intimidate opponents,” he said.

Mr. Okudolor, who
was at the centre of the attack, appealed to federal and state
government, INEC and security agencies to come to his aid to enable him
participate in the forth-coming elections.

Not armed

The politician,
refuted accusations that he carried a gun to the rally, said it
wouldn’t have been possible for the thugs to inflict him with such a
deep cut if he was carrying a gun. “I would have used it on them before
they inflict any injury on me,” he said.

He said his
opponents should realise that they are all brothers who had lived
peacefully in the past and therefore should not allow politics to tear
them apart as there is life after tomorrow. “I and my supporters are
prepared for a free and fair election and prepared to take whatever may
be the decision of the electorate ,” he said.