The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, has condemned the political violence that erupted in Asaba on Saturday, resulting in loss of life, injuries and destruction of property, urging political actors to prioritise peace and responsible engagement.
The monarch, who spoke while briefing journalists at his palace on Sunday, aligned with the Delta State Government and the Police Command in condemning the incident, describing it as unacceptable and capable of undermining the peaceful coexistence for which Asaba is known.
He said Asaba had continued to experience rapid growth as a state capital and emerging metropolis, attracting people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and political persuasions, stressing that such diversity must be accommodated within an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.
According to him, while political activities and the exercise of constitutional rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly should be encouraged, they must be conducted without intimidation, hostility or violence.
The Asagba said: “I join the Government of Delta State in condemning the hostility that people encountered in the course of pursuing what ordinarily should be a very peaceful undertaking.”
He noted that political disagreements and campaigns should be issue-based, allowing individuals and groups to freely express their opinions and participate in the democratic process without threatening the rights and safety of others.
The monarch also advised organisers of political rallies and processions to engage the police and seek their support to ensure adequate security and prevent unforeseen disturbances.
He clarified that his position was not that political groups must obtain police permits before embarking on lawful processions, but that they should involve the police to provide necessary support and accompany them during such activities.
“I will urge that nobody should try to turn Asaba into a theatre of conflict of any sort. We will allow free contestations devoid of any form of intimidation,” he declared.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the Asagba urged politicians and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully, expressing the hope that the forthcoming electoral contests would be free, fair and credible.
He specifically referred to the elections scheduled for January 16 and February 6, 2027, calling on political stakeholders to promote an atmosphere that would enable the electorate to make their choices without fear or intimidation.
The monarch reaffirmed that Asaba would continue to welcome people of diverse opinions and political ideologies, but insisted that peaceful coexistence must remain paramount.
He prayed for the success of the political process, expressing the hope that the party that ultimately secures the people’s mandate would emerge peacefully and that the prevailing atmosphere of peace in Asaba would be sustained.
