POLICE CANCEL OBI-KWANKWASO MARCH IN AKWA IBOM

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescheduled a planned two-million-man march organised by the Obidient Movement in support of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso in Uyo.

The command directed political parties, groups and associations to postpone rallies, meetings and processions earlier approved for October 1, citing security concerns and available manpower.

The police said intelligence indicated that some individuals could exploit political activities to cause disturbances and threaten public peace. It also noted concerns about managing large crowds and possible clashes involving different political groups.

The State Director of the Obidient Movement, Benjamin Smith, criticised the decision, saying organisers had already spent more than N20m mobilising supporters across the state’s 31 local government areas.

Smith said the organisers had met with the police on September 29 over arrangements for the march and claimed that the cancellation came after preparations had already been made.

He said the movement and the Nigeria Democratic Congress would communicate a new date for the event while urging supporters to remain law-abiding.

The police directive affected political activities scheduled across Akwa Ibom on October 1, including rallies and other public processions.