Ahead of the Delta Central senatorial bye-election scheduled for Saturday (October 12) Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has warned trouble makers to steer clear of the State and allow the election to be held in a peaceful atmosphere.
The Governor who handed down the warning in Warri yesterday (Tuesday) when he met with
political office holders and other stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Governor’s office Annex sued for the best conduct among the candidates and their supporters.
He said there were disturbing security reports that certain persons want to cause a breach of the peace before, during and after the elections but cautioned that anyone found wanting irrespective of political leanings, would be decisively dealt with.
His words: “I am appealing to all political parties not to breach the peace by causing insecurity during the election on Saturday … Security reports show that certain persons are planning to disturb the peace and we must not give them the opportunity to do that. This administration has a responsibility to ensure a peaceful election and we will do all within our power to make sure that Saturday’s election is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.”
“We will not shirk in our duty in this regard,” he added at the meeting attended by the State Deputy Governor, Professor Amos Utuama, the PDP State Chairman, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, PDP Chairmen in the various Local Governments in Delta Central, Political office holders and other PDP
stakeholders from Delta Central Senatorial District.
Dr. Uduaghan explained that elections should not be by force as it has no resemblance to coup plotting. He condemned the mayhem unleashed by some persons recently when the PDP campaign
train by the party’s candidate visited the Ovie of Agbon in Kokori, Ukori 1 but noted that security
men where immediately drafted to the community.
He promised that those behind the attack will be fished out and punished no matter their status and assured that such lapses will not recur.
Dr. Uduaghan enjoined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to be deterred by the incident in Kokori or other threats of violence as the State Government would ensure a peaceful election on Saturday.
“I want to assure INEC that we will put in place adequate security measures to ensure a free and fair election as well as security of lives and property,” he stated.
