From Onoriode Etatsemi./Delta State
HallowMace Africa, Abuja based media Organization, has taken serious note of the alarming statement issued by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, in which he raised concerns over alleged threats to his life and the lives of members of his family, allegedly emanating from the Delta State Government House, Asaba.
In a Statement by Executive Director/CEO HallowMace Africa, Amb.Anderson Osiebe , the group consider such allegations extremely serious and capable of undermining public confidence, political participation and the peaceful conduct of the 2027 electoral process if left unaddressed.
HallowMace Africa therefore calls for an immediate, independent, transparent and credible investigation into these allegations.
“We do not believe that any Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, status, ethnicity or ideological persuasion, should be compelled to participate in an election under the fear of violence, intimidation or threats to life.”
“Senator Ovie Omo-Agege is a free-born Nigerian and an Urhobo son of Delta State. He is a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and former Deputy President of the 9th Senate.”
They pointed out that Senator Omo-Agege been a Nigerian citizen, has the constitutional right to participate in politics, to seek elective office, to campaign for votes, and to associate freely with people of his choice with his rights fully protected
“At the same time, HallowMace Africa is not in a position to determine the truth or otherwise of the allegations contained in Senator Omo-Agege’s statement. That is precisely why an investigation is necessary.”
“We call on the relevant security and law-enforcement agencies to immediately establish the facts surrounding the allegations, identify the source and nature of any reported threats, and take appropriate action if any person or institution is found to have violated the law, the statement added.
They called on the Delta State Government to publicly clarify its position and distance itself from any act of intimidation, violence or threat against any political opponent.
“Election is not war. Politics is not a license to threaten lives. Political competition must never become a contest of violence, vengeance or intimidation.”
“The 2027 elections should be about competing ideas, policies, leadership records and the ability of candidates to convince Nigerians, not about who can intimidate, harass or silence the opposition.”
HallowMace Africa therefore urges all political actors in Delta State and across Nigeria to exercise restraint and remember that, after every election,” we will all remain Nigerians, neighbours, friends and members of the same communities.”
‘We particularly urge political parties, candidates, campaign organisations, traditional institutions, civil-society organisations and the media to reject inflammatory rhetoric capable of escalating political tensions.”
They stressed that security agencies must not wait until an alleged threat becomes an actual tragedy before acting.
‘Investigate the allegation. Establish the facts. Protect lives. Protect democracy.”
“HallowMace Africa will continue to advocate for issue-based politics, responsible political communication, peaceful elections and the protection of every Nigerian’s democratic rights”, the statement added.
“Election is not war, but
debate the issues, not the people.”
They concluded that all electorates should Compete for votes, but not through violence.
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