The Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, has given reasons why policemen forcefully dispersed supporters of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi in Abakaliki, the state capital on Saturday.
A statement by Mr. Chooks Oko, Special Assistant to Governor Umahi on Media and Strategy, said the supporters of Obi failed to make use of the venue approved for the rally which he said was the Abakaliki Township stadium but chose to empty themselves into the streets disturbing the peace of the ordinary citizens.
The statement which was titled “The Governor ordered no disruption,” read: “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.”
NPO Reported earlier how policemen tear-gassed the supporters during the rally which led them to regroup in another part of the state capital.