Senator Omo-Agege said some of his supporters were killed and maimed during the APC ward congress attack on Saturday, May 5. He warned the perpetrators of the attack to stop violence to avoid reprisal attacks from his supporters
The lawmaker further urged those behind the attacks to rethink their strategies for the 2019 elections, adding that embracing peace is the right way to go The suspended lawmaker, Ovie Omo-Agege has issued a warning to those behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) congress attack in Delta State on Saturday, May 5, urging them to refrain from violence in a bid to seek political power. Premium Times reports that the police command in Delta state confirmed that a chairmanship candidate, Jeremiah Oghoveta, believed to be a supporter Omo-Agege, died in the APC ward congresses in Ughelli South local government area of the state. NAIJ.com gathered that the command’s spokesperson, Andrew Aniamaka, said Oghoveta was stabbed to death during the exercise at Jeremi Ward 3, Okwagbe.
The culprit, identified as Tete Pippah, was said to have attacked Ogheveta during an argument that ensued when the deceased accused him of hijacking the electoral materials meant for the congresses in the area. It was further learnt that the deceased and the alleged assailant belonged to different factions of the party in the area. There were also reported cases of ballot-box snatching during the exercise at Ogor and Orogun Wards 1 and 2 respectively in Ughelli North LGA. In a statement from his media office, Senator Omo-Agege asked the orchestrators and executors of the violent attacks to rethink their strategies for the 2019 general elections, adding that peace is the right way to go. The senator “strongly and totally” condemned the murder of Oghoveta, describing it as a senseless, cold-hearted, unprovoked, premeditated and targeted violence.
“The chilly allegation that this admirably peaceful young leader and pro-Ogboru and pro-Omo-Agege grassroots mobiliser was heartlessly murdered by his own kinsman (possibly with the aid and comfort of others) for political motives is a horrible desecration of the sacredness of human life in Urhobo land. “On behalf of all persons of good conscience, Senator Omo-Agege extends his heartfelt condolences to the Oghoveta family for the painful murder of Jeremiah whose unwavering commitment to right causes placed him above many as a leader. “The Obarisi trusts the Police authorities to carry out a thorough and speedy investigation of this murder. Justice will be done. Justice for Jeremiah, to his murderer(s) and for society at large. Whoever has a hand in this murder will face the harshest consequences prescribed under the law. “Also, this Office is alarmed by the near-death attacks on Comrade Chuks Erhire (Director General, Senator Omo-Agege Constituency Office), Barrister Ejiro Etaghene (vocal media supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Great Ogboru and Senator Omo-Agege) and Hon. Julius Akpovoka (an ardent supporter of Chief Great Ogboru and Senator Omo-Agege). “They were all admitted to hospital in critical emergency states when, without any provocation whatsoever, hundreds of thugs allegedly hired by a politician and led by his lackeys went after them at Orchids Hotel, Asaba on May 7, 2018, obviously for their political tendencies. Comrade Erhire and Barrister Etaghene are still in coma or critical state in the hospital. “We must strongly advise and warn the orchestrators and executors of these violent attacks to rethink their strategies for the 2019 general elections. For the good of our people, the path of peace is the best way. They must know that blood-stained hands and dark and guilty consciences will not promote them.
They must remember that people have a right to self-defence too. Also, even with genuine calls for restraint and brotherly forgiveness, brotherly reprisals are sometimes difficult to curtail. May we not get there”. Omo-Agege wondered why any political leader or aspiring political leader would directly or indirectly harm or kill people, including his party members and kinsmen.
“Such evil has no place in our society and the APC. We will never allow it. We will resist it with all our strengths under the law. Our national security apparatus will be encouraged to deal decisively with this rampaging murderous tendency. This is a firm promise,” the statement read.
It was previously reported that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and justice minister, Abubakar Malami, reportedly told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the suspension of Ovie Omo-Agege, by the Senate, was illegal and unconstitutional. Malami said this on Monday, April 30, as part of his submissions, which he made at the court’s hearing of the suit filed by Omo-Agege to challenge his suspension for 90 legislative days. The report said the upper chamber and the Senate president, Bukola Saraki, who were represented by their lawyer, Mahmud Magaji (SAN), justified Omo-Agege’s suspension. NAIJ.com