By Our Correspondent
Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Godwin Anaughe, has challenged Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads and Public Information), Charles Aniagwu, to focus on investigating alleged attacks on supporters of the former Deputy President of the Senate rather than dismissing the incidents as a campaign strategy.
Anaughe, in a statement issued in response to Aniagwu’s comments on Arise News, said the alleged attacks on Omo-Agege’s supporters required condemnation and impartial investigation by the authorities.
He alleged that members of Omo-Agege’s political team were attacked by armed men on August 13 during a ward-to-ward engagement in Usiefrun, Ughelli South Local Government Area, leaving six people injured, some of whom reportedly required hospital treatment.
He further alleged that on August 21, more than 50 armed men invaded and destroyed a venue prepared for a campaign meeting in Uvwie, adding that witnesses identified Emmanuel Erube as the alleged leader of the group and that threats were allegedly made against Omo-Agege.
“These allegations deserve a real, impartial investigation — not a shrug,” Anaughe said.
He maintained that the issue should not be reduced to a political argument over whether Omo-Agege had a message, insisting that the senator’s ongoing ward-to-ward engagements across Delta Central demonstrated his commitment to reaching voters directly.
According to him, political disagreements should be settled through open debate and the ballot box rather than intimidation or violence.
Anaughe also faulted Aniagwu’s comments on Omo-Agege’s criticism of the state government’s financial management, saying Deltans deserved answers concerning the funds accruing to the state under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
He specifically referenced claims that more than ₦4 trillion had accrued to the state, urging the government to explain how such resources had been deployed.
The statement also challenged the government’s position on security in the state, arguing that allegations of threats against a political candidate should not be dismissed as ordinary campaign rhetoric.
Anaughe said the fact that Governor Oborevwori serves as the state’s Chief Security Officer made the allegations particularly important and deserving of investigation.
He also rejected the argument that the ongoing construction of the Emevor-Orogun Road should be used to deflect attention from allegations of political violence.
According to him, the road project was important to residents, but infrastructure development could not substitute for the protection of citizens and the investigation of alleged attacks.
“A road doesn’t erase an attack. A construction project doesn’t answer for injured citizens. A television interview isn’t a substitute for an investigation,” he said.
Anaughe further argued that describing Delta State as peaceful while alleged victims were recovering from attacks and a campaign venue had reportedly been destroyed was insensitive to those affected.
He called for an immediate investigation, in accordance with Nigerian law, into the alleged involvement of Erube and others in the incidents, as well as the threats allegedly made against Omo-Agege.
He also called for an investigation into whether anyone directed, financed or facilitated the alleged attacks, saying anyone found culpable should face prosecution.
“We’re not interested in a political mud fight, and we won’t be talked out of demanding accountability,” Anaughe said.
He stressed that Deltans should be able to participate in political activities without fear or intimidation, irrespective of political affiliation.
Anaughe maintained that until the alleged incidents were properly investigated and the public received credible answers, political statements, campaign slogans or road commissioning ceremonies would not resolve the underlying security concerns.
The statement was signed by Godwin Anaughe, Special Adviser, Strategy and Communications to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.