ASAGBA OF ASABA CONDEMNS YESTERDAY’S ATTACK ON CITIZENS DURING RALLY, REAFFIRMED THAT ASABA IS COMMITTED TO PEACE AND SECURITY
NOVEMBER 08, 2026.
- By Zealinjor Ifesiokwu.
His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, has strongly condemned Saturday’s political confrontation in Asaba, which reportedly resulted in the loss of lives and injuries to several persons, describing the incident as unfortunate, unacceptable and a threat to the peaceful atmosphere the state capital has continued to enjoy.
The revered monarch made this known on Sunday, November 8, 2026, while briefing journalists at his palace, where he joined the Delta State Government and the State Police Command in condemning the incident.
Asagba Azinge expressed deep concern over the development, stressing that Asaba, beyond being the administrative capital of Delta State, has continued to grow into a major metropolitan city and a melting pot of people from diverse ethnic, cultural, social and political backgrounds.
He noted that Asaba was undoubtedly one of the fastest-growing state capitals in Nigeria and the most peaceful, adding that every effort must be made to preserve its peaceful coexistence and protect the lives and property of residents.
The monarch emphasised that the right to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly remains fundamental in a democratic society, insisting that political activities must be conducted without intimidation, violence or any form of hostility.
“I join the Government of Delta State in condemning the hostility that people encountered in the course of pursuing what ordinarily should be a very peaceful undertaking” Asagba Azinge Stated.
“There’s no denying the fact that those who have bothered to come to me have admonished and advised that politics should be allowed to flourish, but it must be issue-based, and people must be allowed to exercise their constitutional responsibilities of freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly.
“In the course of doing this, they have the fundamental right to do so, and to that extent, they should also do it in a very peaceful environment.”
The foremost Constitutional Lawyer further observed that although constitutional provisions guarantee citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and political participation, organisers of rallies and processions should endeavour to engage the police and seek their support to ensure adequate security and prevent avoidable confrontations.
He clarified that such engagement should not necessarily be interpreted as seeking police permission but rather as securing police cooperation and assistance in maintaining order and protecting participants.
Nna Agu urged political actors, supporters and stakeholders to embrace issue-based campaigns, tolerance and responsible political engagement.
He further urged that nobody should try to turn Asaba into a theatre of conflict of any sort. “We will allow free contestations devoid of any form of intimidation. Let us try to build up contestations in a way and manner that people will look forward to free, fair and credible elections.
Nna Agu reaffirmed that Asaba would continue to accommodate people of diverse opinions, political affiliations and ideological persuasions, stressing, however, that the freedom to hold differing political views must never be allowed to undermine the peace, security and unity of the community.
He insisted that the political party who ultimately emerges victorious at the polls, should win,while praying that the peace and tranquillity for which Asaba has become known for would continue to prevail.