Umahi Debunks Attacking Umahi’s Supporters

The leader of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, claimed on Saturday that he never gave the order to stop a demonstration of Peter Obi’s supporters in Abakaliki, the state’s capital in South-East Nigeria.

Hours after police used tear gas on Obi’s supporters during a demonstration in the state, Chooks Oko, Umahi’s Special Assistant on Media and Strategy to the Governor, said this in a statement.

Read Full Statement:

THE GOVERNOR ORDERED NO DISRUPTION

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 unaware 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 best and will insist on a level playing ground for all. If it is true that the police dispersed people, the answer will indeed 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 costs, it was gathered that the organisers chose to empty 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 urges all to play the game by the rules.