Politics Is Not A Crime: Call For Fairness Over Sealing Of NDC Organiser’s Property In Ughelli

A call has been made to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to intervene in the controversy surrounding the sealing of a property linked to Ambassador Tobore Alex Agbah, organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 10,000-man march in Ughelli.

The appeal followed allegations that the action by the Ughelli North Local Government Council, headed by Olorogun Jaro Egbo, was politically motivated and connected to Agbah’s involvement in the NDC mobilisation exercise.

Agbah reportedly alleged that the property was sealed shortly after the march, which was organised by his group, Team Agbah, to mobilise support for the NDC and its candidates. He described the development as political victimisation and questioned the timing of the council’s action.

Reacting to the development, Chris Iyovwaye, a journalist, appealed to Governor Oborevwori to call the council chairman to order and ensure that political differences do not lead to the intimidation or unfair treatment of citizens.

Iyovwaye stressed that citizens have the constitutional right to belong to and support political parties of their choice, urging political leaders to uphold fairness, justice, peace and respect for democratic rights.

He expressed concern that actions perceived as politically motivated could create unnecessary tension in Ughelli North and negatively affect public confidence in the administration.

However, the Ughelli North Council Chairman, Jaro Egbo, has denied that the sealing was politically motivated. According to him, the action was based on alleged environmental and structural violations, including the reported construction of the facility beneath a high-tension electricity line.

Egbo said the council had issued notices to the owner over the alleged violations and maintained that the enforcement action was part of the council’s broader efforts to address structures considered to pose safety or environmental risks.

The controversy has therefore raised questions over the timing of the enforcement action, while the council maintains that its decision was based on regulatory and safety considerations rather than political affiliation.

Stakeholders have continued to call for restraint and dialogue, stressing the importance of ensuring that political disagreements do not undermine peace, lawful civic participation and peaceful coexistence in Ughelli North.