Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has vowed to ensure prosecution of those responsible for Saturday’s attack on the supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the state.
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported the sporadic shootings at the NDC secretariat in Enugu State on Saturday during the party’s governorship campaign flag-off.
Prosecution
Reacting in a video clip uploaded on his Facebook page on Monday night, Mr Mbah said he expects the police to “conduct a thorough and impartial investigation” into the violence.
The governor assured he would seek a “formal briefing” on the progress of the police investigation.
“Anyone found responsible for criminal acts must be held accountable through the proper legal process regardless of their political connections,” he said.
“We must allow the evidence to establish what happened.”
Mr Mbah stressed that every citizen should be able to exercise their lawful right irrespective of political affiliation without fear of violence or intimidation.
“I will continue to work with the relevant security authorities to ensure that citizens can go about their lives and participate in lawful political activities safely,” he said, emphasising that political differences are part of democracy.
‘Immediate concern’
Mr Mbah said his immediate concern was for those who experienced fear and the families affected during the attack.
“I want to assure them that their safety and well-being matter to me personally,” he said.
The governor added: “Enugu belongs to all of us and I remain committed to protecting the security, dignity and democratic rights of every person who calls this state home.”
Background
PREMIUM TIMES reports that apart from the secretariat, suspected political thugs also attacked NDC supporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Emene.
The NDC supporters had attempted to gather at the airport to welcome the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Chinyeaka Ohaa.
On Sunday, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, claimed findings showed that the NDC attempted to gather at the airport without approval.
Mr Onyia, a professor, also denied allegations that the state government was responsible for the attack.
But in a statement on Monday, the Secretary of the NDC in Enugu State said the government’s claim that the party attempted to hold the campaign flag-off at the airport without approval was false.
The police have ordered an investigation into the violence.
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