By Lucky Uto
The Member Representing Ethiope Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu and Chairman of the House Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has issued a powerful condemnation of the violence that marred the APC congress of the Ethiope West local government area in Delta State, labeling it a brutal assault on Nigeria’s democratic principles.
Responding to a violent attack that disrupted the APC congress for the Ethiope West Local Government Area, held on Saturday, 21st February 2026, Hon. Ibori-Suenu in a statement personally signed, revealed she had personally visited the victims of the attack earlier today. “I am deeply appalled by the senseless and unacceptable violence that occurred,” she stated, setting a tone of moral outrage and direct engagement with the crisis in her constituency.
The lawmaker framed the incident not merely as a local disturbance but as a fundamental betrayal of democratic values. “No democratic process should ever descend into brutality,” she declared. “Political differences must never translate into threats, intimidation, or physical harm. What happened was a stain on our collective commitment to peace, tolerance, and democratic engagement.”
Moving beyond condemnation, Hon. Ibori-Suenu issued a direct call to action for the nation’s security apparatus. “I strongly condemn this heinous act in its entirety and call on all relevant security agencies to leave no stone unturned in identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting the perpetrators and any sponsors behind this violence.” This demand for a thorough investigation underscores growing public frustration with political violence often going unpunished.
In a significant commitment of support, the Representative announced concrete measures to aid the victims. “I have directed that all medical expenses of the affected victims be fully covered, and I assure them of our unwavering support and solidarity during this difficult time.” She emphasized that this support extends beyond rhetoric, stating, “We stand with them not only in words, but in action. “Violence has no place in our politics. Justice must prevail.”
This incident highlights the persistent challenge of electoral and intra-party violence in Nigeria’s political landscape, even at the local congress level. As Chairman of the NDDC Committee, Hon. Ibori-Suenu’s strong stance carries weight, given the Niger Delta region’s complex history with conflict and governance.
Her response combines immediate humanitarian aid for victims with a forceful demand for legal accountability, presenting a model for political leadership in the aftermath of such crises. The coming days will test the resolve of security agencies to heed her call and bring the perpetrators to book.
