Ebonyi State Government has reacted to reports streaming in online media that the governor disrupted the scheduled campaign of the presidential candidate of the Labour party,Mr Peter Obi in the state.
Reports had indicated that supporters of Peter Obi who trooped to Abakiliki, the state capital to campaign were dispersed by the police with teargas.
In a statement on Saturday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, in Chooks Oko said the government is not aware of any disruption.
According to him, the government had approved a venue for the obi group for use for a fee but they reportedly took to the streets to cause mayhem.
Oko,’s statement titled Governor Ordered No Disruption reads:
“The attention of the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State has been drawn to some online publications and rumours making the rounds that he Governor 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.
