DELTA DEPUTY SPEAKER CALLS FOR PEACE, URGES POLITICAL CANDIDATES TO SHUN VIOLENCE

The Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo has called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to embrace peace and shun violence to sustain development in the state.

Rt. Hon. Akpowowo who stated this while speaking with newsmen in Asaba lamented that lives had been lost in recent incidents in Eku and Okpara Inland in Ethiope East Local Government Area, urging all parties to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions.

He stressed that Delta State had enjoyed relative peace and should not allow political differences to threaten the existing peace and security.

The deputy speaker urged candidates to conduct their campaigns peacefully, respect one another, and avoid inflammatory statements or actions that could provoke violence.

He also solicited the support of Deltans for the All Progressives Congress, APC, government, expressing the need for collective efforts to sustain peace and promote development.

Meanwhile, he urged eligible voters who were yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, to do so to enable them to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming elections.

He appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, and other stakeholders to continue counselling youths against being used to cause disorder during the electioneering period.

According to him, political contests should be viewed as opportunities for citizens to present their programmes and ideas rather than as reasons for division or confrontation.

He further urged security agencies to remain professional, impartial, and vigilant in maintaining law and order while calling on residents to report suspicious activities through appropriate channels.

Rt. Hon. Akpowowo said the peaceful conduct of the elections would strengthen democracy and create an atmosphere conducive to economic growth, investment, and improved welfare for the people.

He assured that the House of Assembly would continue to support initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence across the state.