Peter Obi

Author: Gist Correspondent

The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Obidient Movement has lamented an estimated ₦20 million loss following the rescheduling of its planned two-million-man solidarity march in support of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The march was scheduled to hold in Uyo on October 1 as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence anniversary.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command directed political parties, groups and associations to reschedule rallies, meetings, processions and other political activities earlier approved for the date.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the command said the decision followed intelligence suggesting that some individuals could exploit the activities to cause disturbances and threaten public peace.

The police said the directive was issued in the overriding interest of public safety and security, urging all affected groups to reschedule their programmes.

However, addressing journalists in Uyo on Thursday, the State Director of the Obidient Movement, Benjamin Smith, expressed disappointment over the decision.

Smith alleged that the police had earlier approved the march before subsequently directing the organisers to postpone it, describing the development as an afterthought.

He said the movement had already spent more than ₦20 million mobilising supporters across the 31 local government areas of the state ahead of the event.

According to him, the organisers had also honoured an invitation from the police on September 29 alongside members of the planning committee for the proposed Akwa Ibom Two Million-Man Solidarity March.

He said those present at the meeting included the state party chairman, the march’s director of media and its head of security.

Smith said the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, explained that the command would not have enough personnel to provide security for a gathering of the size envisaged by the organisers.

He added that the police also cited the scheduling of a Peoples Democratic Party rally in the state from October 1 to 3 and concerns over possible clashes between supporters of the different political groups.

The Obidient director, who was accompanied by movement officials and NDC chieftains, said the rescheduling had caused significant financial losses to the organisers.

He maintained that the movement and the NDC would not accept what he described as further cancellations of the event when a new date is announced.

Smith also questioned the legality of the police directive, arguing that it affected the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

“We want Nigerians to know that the police have violated the Police Act. It is a violation of the Nigerian Constitution that gives the people the right of freedom of assembly,” he said.

He said the movement would resist what he described as a recurrence of the situation, while calling for respect for constitutional rights and the rule of law.

The police, however, maintained that its action was based on security considerations and the need to prevent possible disturbances arising from competing political activities.

The rescheduling leaves the organisers to announce a fresh date for the proposed march, while the security authorities are expected to continue assessing the situation before approving future political gatherings.