14th June, 2021
The Abia State Government has reacted to a plan by a civil society group to stage a mega protest in Aba and Umuahia, the state capital on Monday.
The state government in a statement issued by the Secretary to State Government, Barr Chris Ezem, urged the organisers of the protest were urged to suspend the planned demonstration owing to the current insecurity in the areas.
According to the statement, the protest may not be peaceful as the organizers failed to contact the state’s police command for protection.
The statement reads, “Abia State Government has received information on a planned rally by a civil society group purportedly billed for Aba and Umuahia on Monday, 14th June 2021, and we wish to call on the organizers to immediately cancel the program in view of the prevailing security situation in the region in particular and the nation in general.
“We are also aware that the organizers have not contacted the state police command or any other relevant agency to provide security for the planned rally thereby predisposing the event to the likelihood of being hijacked by hoodlums thereby possibly leading to the break down of law and order.
“In view of the above, we wish to appeal for cancellation of the planned rally pending when proper security arrangements are firmed up with the police and other relevant security agencies to ensure the safety of the protesters. We shall not tolerate any person or persons to undermine the peace we enjoy in Abia”.
Ezem urged law-abiding citizens and visitors in the State to go about their normal duties.