…..DSOCB to Begin Mass Media Sensitisation on Issue-Based Campaigns
By Yahaya Idris, Asaba
The Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has cautioned political actors and their supporters against resorting to violence during political activities, stressing that electoral violence and other prohibited conduct can attract criminal sanctions.
Oghenesivbe gave the warning during a special interview with Rize FM 106.7 in Warri while reacting to reports of a recent clash involving suspected supporters of the NDC and APC at Effurun.
He said political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into physical confrontation, noting that elections are designed to give citizens the opportunity to choose their leaders based on policies, programmes, records and ideas.
According to him, political competition should be conducted within the framework of the law, with parties, candidates and supporters expected to pursue disagreements through dialogue and other lawful democratic channels.
The Electoral Act 2026 criminalises disorderly conduct at elections. Section 129 provides for a maximum fine of ₦2 million or imprisonment for 12 months, or both, upon conviction. The Act also prohibits possession of offensive weapons calculated to intimidate voters and the snatching or destruction of election materials at polling environments.
The Director-General noted that the consequences of political violence extend beyond the immediate incident, saying violent clashes can create fear among residents, discourage voter participation, disrupt legitimate political activities and damage property and community relationshipDean
He said the Delta State Government had already condemned the reported Effurun incident through the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, while security agencies had been directed to investigate and ensure that anyone found culpable is dealt with according to almost
Oghenesivbe also announced plans by the Bureau to commence a state-wide mass media sensitisation campaign aimed at promoting peaceful political participation and educating citizens on the dangers and legal consequences of electoral violence.
He said the campaign would place particular emphasis on issue-based political campaigns, encouraging candidates and political parties to engage voters with their policies, programmes, development plans and practical solutions to challenges facing thcampaign’s
“Political campaigns should be about ideas and issues, not violence or physical confrontation,” he said.
The Director-General urged political parties, candidates, youths, community leaders, traditional institutions, religious organisations and media practitioners to support efforts aimed at sustaining peaceful political engagement across Delta State.
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He further appealed to political actors to remember that elections are temporary contests, while communities and citizens must continue to live together after the polls.
He urged Deltans to reject violence and allow policies, programmes, records and ideas to shape political conversations ahead of future elections.