Police Violently Disperse Peaceful March For Obi In Ebonyi

Supporters of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, have been dispersed with teargas by security operatives in Abakaliki, the state capital.

Saturday Sun reported that Obi supporters, popularly called Obi-dients, had gathered at Pastoral Centre, Mile 50, in Abakaliki for a solidarity march before security operatives in Hilux vans stormed the area and dispersed them with teargas.

However, minutes after they were violently dispersed, the Obi supporters gathered again and are now proceeding with the march.

Our correspondent gathered that the protesters are now matching from Mile 50 to the G-hostel area of the state capital.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Assistant to Governor Umahi on Media and Strategy, Mr. Chooks Oko, issued a statement denying involvement of Umahi on the disruption.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State has been drawn to some online publications and rumours making the rounds that he ordered the disruption of a gathering in support of one of the presidential candidates in the 2023 elections. This is not true.

“The Executive Governor of Ebonyi state is certainly not aware of any disruption of any gathering as he didn’t order any. He is a democrat who believes firmly in the rule of law. He wishes every contending politician the very best and will insist on a level playing ground for all. If it is true that the police dispersed people, the answer will surely rest with the police.

“For record purposes, the relevant government agencies had approved the use of Abakaliki township stadium for a rally by the Labour Party subject to the payment of some specified fees. Rather than pay the fees, it was gathered, the organizers chose to empty into the streets causing some untold hardships on the hapless citizens going about their daily pursuits.

“The police, we are told, had to step in to restore law and order.

“The Governor appeals to all citizens to always abide by the dictates of the law and decent living so that law and order will always reign supreme.

“He wishes all political parties and their candidates well and enjoins all to play the game by the rules.”