September 17, (THEWILL) – Governor David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi State has said he never ordered the alleged disruption of the gathering/rally, held for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.
In a press release by the Special Assistant to the Governor (Media & Strategy), Chooks Oko, debunked online publications and rumours that the governor ordered the disruption of the rally.
According to him, rather than the organisers availing themselves of the stadium by paying the prescribed fees, they chose to empty themselves into the street, causing hardship to hapless citizens.
He further stated that the police had to step in to restore law and order.
“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 organisers chose to empty into the streets, causing some untold hardships to 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”, he said.
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