Governor Mbah reacts to NDC secretariat shootings

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has promised to make sure those behind Saturday’s attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) face the law.

Reports say there were random gunshots at the NDC secretariat in Enugu State during the party’s governorship campaign kick-off on Saturday.

In a video posted on his Facebook page on Monday night, Mr Mbah said he wants the police to "conduct a thorough and impartial investigation" into the violence.

The governor said he will seek a "formal briefing" on how the police investigation is going.

"Anyone found responsible for criminal acts must be held accountable through the proper legal process regardless of their political connections," he stated.

"We must allow the evidence to establish what happened."

Mr Mbah highlighted that every citizen should be able to exercise their lawful rights without fear of violence or intimidation, regardless of their political views.

"I will continue to work with the relevant security authorities to ensure that citizens can go about their lives and participate in lawful political activities safely," he emphasized, noting that political differences are part of democracy.

His immediate concern is for those who felt scared and the families affected during the attack.

"I want to assure them that their safety and well-being matter to me personally," he said.

The governor added, "Enugu belongs to all of us and I remain committed to protecting the security, dignity and democratic rights of every person who calls this state home."

Reports say that besides the secretariat, suspected political thugs also attacked NDC supporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Emene.

The NDC supporters were trying to gather at the airport to welcome the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Chinyeaka Ohaa.

On Sunday, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, said findings revealed that the NDC tried to gather at the airport without permission.

Mr Onyia, who is a professor, also denied claims that the state government was behind the attack.

But in a statement on Monday, the NDC Secretary in Enugu State said the government’s claim that the party tried to hold the campaign flag-off at the airport without approval was not true.

The police have ordered an investigation into the violence.