The Ebonyi State Governor, Engr David Nweze Umahi, has said that supporters of the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, were attacked by the police in Abakaliki because they didn’t pay for the use of the Abakaliki Township Stadium.
According to a statement made available to New National Star Saturday in Abuja, signed by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media & Strategy, Chooks Oko, the state government had approved the use of Abakaliki Township Stadium by the Labour Party supporters, but that, instead of paying the specified fees, the supporters chose to empty into the streets, causing some untold hardships on the hapless citizens going about their daily pursuits.
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.”