The Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Dr. Ben Smith has lamented the last minute cancelation of the planned Independence Day 2 Million Man March by Obidients and Kwakwansiya Movement to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence and also thier leaders.
Addressing Journalists at the National Democratic Congress office today at Oron road Uyo Akwa ibom State, Dr Smith expressed disappointment at the sudden cancellation of the event after millions of Naira have been spent in mobilization, branding of materials and logistics.
He recalled that the same event was held in the state in 2022 successfully without any security breach stressing that the sudden cancellation of the second edition after they have followed all due process including sorting and obtaining Police clearance is a blow on the citizen’s right to a peaceful assembly.
He however assure thier teaming supporters that plans are underway to fix a new date for a mega rally with more impact than the halted two million man march scheduled.for today stressing that the Constitution of the country and the electoral act have empowered citizens to stage both peaceful assembly and political rally at this time.
He added ,”The Akwa Ibom Commissioner, CP Asare, informed our Party and the support groups planning the event that he and his men of the Nigeria Police Force would not have enough personnel to provide security for 2 million people marching on the streets of Uyo on 1st October, as the said date has already been approved for the PDP to hold its own rally, scheduled to take place from 1st to 3rd October. He cited security concerns and possible clashes between the two political parties”.
Meanwhile a press statement from the Akwa Ibom state police command obtained by correspondents warned political parties to reschedule all thier planned rally for 1st October to a later date citing plans by some individuals to exploit scheduled political activities to cause disturbances and threaten public peace.
Endorsed by DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, the statement said the cancellation was done in the overriding interest of public safety and security stressing that all approvals earlier granted for political rallies, meetings, processions and other related public political activities scheduled to hold on Thursday, 1st October 2026, anywhere within Akwa Ibom State are hereby directed to be rescheduled.
The PPRO said the proactive measure has become necessary following emerging security concerns and intelligence assessments indicating the need to prevent any individual or group from taking advantage of such gatherings to foment trouble, cause a breakdown of law and order, or endanger innocent members of the public.
“The Command therefore calls on all political parties, candidates, supporters, youth groups and other stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint and comply strictly with this directive. Security agencies will maintain heightened vigilance across the State to ensure the continued protection of lives and property” She added.
She said the Commissioner of Police appreciates the understanding and cooperation of all concerned and emphasizes that the directive is purely precautionary, non-partisan, and taken solely in the overall interest of peace, security and public order in Akwa Ibom State.
