By Staff Reporters
_By Staff Reporter_
The Delta State Government and the camp of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege are at odds over a series of alleged attacks on the senator’s supporters, after the State Commissioner for Works, Charles Aniagwu, described the incidents as part of “campaign strategy.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Godwin Anaughe, Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications to Senator Omo-Agege, said the commissioner’s remarks on Arise News were “troubling” and urged authorities to investigate rather than dismiss the allegations.
Anaughe cited two incidents.
The first, on August 13, occurred during a ward-to-ward engagement in Usiefrun, Ughelli South LGA.
He said armed men attacked members of Omo-Agege’s political team who had gathered to receive the senator. Six people were injured, with several receiving hospital treatment, according to the statement.
The second, on August 21, involved the alleged invasion of a prepared campaign venue in Uvwie by armed men. The statement claimed the venue was destroyed and that witnesses heard a threat that Senator Omo-Agege would be killed if he campaigned in the area. The statement named Emmanuel Erube as the alleged leader of the group.
“These allegations deserve a real, impartial investigation — not a shrug,” Anaughe said.
The statement also responded to Aniagwu’s comment that Senator Omo-Agege “has no message.” Anaughe said the senator has been holding ward-to-ward meetings across Delta Central, engaging NDC members and voters directly.
It also referenced security concerns, saying the governor, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, has been “credibly linked” to a standing order to eliminate a former Deputy President of the Senate. The statement called for an investigation into that claim.
On infrastructure, Anaughe mentioned the Emevor-Orogun Road, saying previous administrations had promised it and that while the project is needed, it should not be used to deflect from allegations of political violence.
The Omo-Agege camp said it is requesting:
1. An immediate investigation into Emmanuel Erube and others alleged to have taken part in the attacks, with prosecution if evidence warrants.
2. A full investigation into threats against Senator Omo-Agege and into whether anyone directed or financed the incidents.
“People have a right to take part in politics without fear or intimidation,” the statement said. “No press appearance, campaign slogan, or road commissioning is going to make the underlying questions go away until these incidents are properly investigated.”
As of press time, the Delta State Government had not issued a fresh response beyond the commissioner’s earlier television comments. Police authorities in the state also had not released a public update on the incidents as of Tuesday evening.
Attempts to reach Mr. Erube for comment were unsuccessful.
