Senatorial bye-election: Uduaghan vows to deal with troublemakers

“Steer clear of Saturday’s senatorial bye-election or be prepared to face the full wrath of the law.”
With these words, the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, declared war on those plotting to foment trouble during the Delta Central Senatorial District bye-election billed to hold in the state on Saturday.
The governor categorically warned troublemakers to stay clear of the state and allow the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct the exercise in a peaceful atmosphere.
Governor Uduaghan handed down the warning in Warri when he met with political office holders and other stakeholders of the People Democratic Party at the Governor’s Office Annex.
While he 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 election.
He cautioned that anyone found wanting irrespective of political affiliation would be dealt with decisively.
He said: “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.”
At the meeting were the state’s Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama; the state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi; the PDP chairmen of the local governments in Delta Central Senatorial District; political office holders; and other PDP stakeholders from the 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 Deltans that such lapses will not recur.
Before the meeting collapsed into a close-door one, he enjoined the Independent National Electoral Commission 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.
He added: “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.”