05/10/2026
NIGER DELTA INITIATIVE AUSTRIA (NDIA)
STATEMENT ON REPORTED POLITICAL INTIMIDATION IN DELTA STATE
The Niger Delta Initiative Austria (NDIA) is deeply concerned about reports of political intimidation, threats, harassment and actions that could undermine the rights of opposition members and political activists in Delta State.
Of particular concern is the reported sealing of the business premises of Ambassador Tobore Alex Agbah, an organiser of the recent 10,000-man NDC march in Ughelli, by the Ughelli North Local Government Council headed by Olorogun Jaro Egbo. Agbah has alleged that the action was politically motivated because of his opposition activities. Chairman Egbo, however, has denied this and stated that the premises were sealed over alleged environmental, structural and advertising violations.
NDIA believes that allegations of political victimisation must not simply be ignored. Any government authority exercising regulatory powers must be able to demonstrate that such powers are being applied fairly, transparently and without political discrimination.
We therefore call for an independent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sealing and any other credible reports of political intimidation in Delta State.
We also urge citizens who experience or witness intimidation, threats, unlawful harassment or abuse of official powers to safely document the incidents, preserve evidence and report them to the appropriate Nigerian authorities and credible human-rights organisations.
NDIA will continue to monitor credible reports and, where evidence establishes serious human-rights violations, we will bring such cases to the attention of relevant European institutions, human-rights organisations and international stakeholders. Where individuals are credibly established to have committed serious abuses, NDIA will initiate and support calls for appropriate lawful accountability measures, including visa restrictions or travel bans where legally justified.
Democracy cannot function where citizens are afraid to express their political opinions. Public office must never become a licence to intimidate, punish or silence political opponents.
NDIA will not remain silent. We will document, speak up and pursue lawful international attention whenever credible evidence points to violations of fundamental rights.
Niger Delta Initiative Austria (NDIA)
Vienna, Austria
