Dr. Tonye Timi, a representative of the Delta All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council, has spoken out against the violence that erupted during a road procession by supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asaba. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon along Nnebisi Road, leading to the confirmation of one fatality and multiple injuries by local police.
Timi described the violent outbreak as an unfortunate reminder of the dangers posed by political rivalries. He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and those injured, emphasizing that political ambition should never justify harm to individuals or the destruction of property.
The APC official called for a commitment to healthy political competition as the state prepares for the 2027 general elections. He highlighted the importance of advocating for democratic engagement and cautioned that the atmosphere must remain free of intimidation and hostility. Timi stated that the forthcoming political activities should focus on presenting ideas and governance proposals rather than inciting violence.
In light of the recent events, Timi urged political participants to heed security advisories from the Nigeria Police regarding road processions, stressing the need for collaboration with law enforcement to ensure public safety. He underscored that political engagement must be conducted responsibly, respecting the rights and safety of all citizens.
Addressing accountability, Timi insisted that those responsible for the violence should face legal consequences, advocating for a thorough investigation by the police to identify and prosecute the culprits without bias towards anyone’s political associations.
Moreover, he called on political leaders to promote a culture of restraint among their supporters and to foster an environment conducive to peaceful democratic practices. Timi appealed to the citizens of Delta to reject violence and work collectively toward maintaining peace in the state.