Iyovwaye condemns sealing of NDC organiser’s business premises in Ughelli

The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Delta State, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, has condemned the sealing of the business premises of Amb. Tobore Alex Agbah by the Ughelli North Local Government Council.

Iyovwaye alleged that the action was linked to Agbah’s role in organising a 10,000-man NDC march in Ughelli, Delta State, on Saturday.

In a statement, Iyovwaye described the sealing as politically motivated and called on the Ughelli North council chairman, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, and the Delta State Government to address the matter.

He also urged the Commissioner of Police in Delta State and other security agencies to protect members of the NDC and other opposition groups in the state.

Iyovwaye said Agbah was a businessman who had built his business over time and employed people in the area, adding that the sealing of the premises should not be used as a means of punishing political participation.

“If there was a planning issue, there is a process. Serve notice. Give time. Go to court,” he said.

Iyovwaye further alleged that the timing of the enforcement action, coming shortly after the NDC march, raised concerns about whether it was connected to Agbah’s political activities.

However, Egbo has denied that the sealing was politically motivated.

The council chairman said the property was allegedly constructed beneath a high-tension electricity line and that officials had issued notices over alleged environmental and structural violations before the enforcement action.

Egbo also said the council had carried out similar enforcement actions against other structures allegedly obstructing waterways or built under high-tension electricity lines.

Agbah has disputed the council’s explanation and alleged that the action was connected to his involvement in the NDC march. He said he had been informed during the march that officials were at his property and alleged that he was being targeted because of his political activities.

Egbo, however, maintained that political affiliation was not the basis for the enforcement and said compliance with applicable regulations was required regardless of political affiliation.

Iyovwaye also called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene, saying the incident should be addressed in a manner that protects the rights of residents irrespective of their political affiliations.

He said the NDC would continue to advocate what he described as a “reset” of Delta State and Nigeria, while urging its supporters to remain peaceful.

The controversy follows increased political activity in Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties and their supporters intensifying mobilisation across the state.

SOURCE: VANGUARD