APC Crisis: Delta LG Chairman Ordered Thugs To Handcuff Me, Commissioner Alleges

The controversy surrounding the violence that followed the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta Central Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting in Effurun has taken a new twist.

The state commissioner for Works (Highway and Urban Roads), Hon. Reuben Izeze, accused Uvwie council chairman, Chief Tony Ofoni, of masterminding an assault on him during the incident.

The commissioner disclosed that he was speaking on the telephone with the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), when his phone was snatched during the assault.

He alleged that Ofoni ordered that he be handcuffed before directing suspected thugs to manhandle him, claiming he sustained injuries and lost several personal belongings, including his blue-strapped Guess wristwatch, prescription glasses and about N400,000.

According to the commissioner, the council chairman removed his Tinubu/Sheriff-branded cap and prescription glasses, leaving him unable to identify those attacking him.

He further alleged that he was punched in the face, causing him to bleed, while the attackers carted away his valuables.

Izeze also claimed that Ofoni told those present he was acting on the directive of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, an assertion the commissioner rejected, insisting he did not believe the governor authorised the attack.

Vowing to seek legal redress, Izeze said those responsible would be held accountable.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has condemned the violence and directed security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute all those involved.

Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori would not tolerate violence, regardless of the status of those implicated.

The development comes after the Delta APC maintained that its Delta Central stakeholders’ meeting at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, was peaceful, insisting the violence occurred elsewhere within the PTI premises and not inside the conference venue. The party also denied reports of any internal crisis, describing such claims as misleading.