Peter Obi Rally: Police step in to restore law and order – Gov. Umahi

…Says he did not order disruption

Abiodun OBA

Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State on Saturday said he was told that the police had to step in to restore law and order but never ordered the disruption of the solidarity rally by supporters of Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi.

Umahi made the clarification via the statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Strategy Chooks Oko.

The statement was issued hours after policemen tear-gassed Obi’s supporters at a rally in Abakaliki.

Some online publications have reported that Ebonyi State Governor ordered the disruption of a gathering in support of one of the presidential candidates in the 2023 elections.

Oko said, “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”.

The statement read further, “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 and wished all political parties and their candidates well and enjoins all to play the game by the rules.