Police and different safety businesses have stepped up safety preparations forward of the two-million-man solidarity rally for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his operating mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, in Akwa Ibom State.
The organisers mentioned measures had been put in place to stop a breakdown of legislation and order and guarantee a peaceable gathering as celebration members, supporters and admirers of the 2 politicians put together to converge on Uyo, the state capital.
The rally is being organised by the NDC, the Obidient Movement, OK Movement, the Kwankwasiyya Movement and different help teams to precise solidarity with Obi, Kwankwaso and the celebration’s Akwa Ibom governorship candidate, Hon. Michael Enyong, popularly often called Babantan, forward of the 2027 normal elections.
The organisers additionally mentioned the occasion would supply a platform to advertise electoral credibility, good governance and residents’ participation within the democratic course of.
Speaking at a press convention forward of the rally, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of OK Movement and chairman of the occasion’s media committee, Engr. Elijah Noah, known as on residents of the state and Obi’s supporters throughout the nation to take part within the train.
Noah mentioned the march was being organised in honour of Obi, Kwankwaso and Enyong, including that it will promote the imaginative and prescient of a Nigeria the place residents might freely elect their leaders and have their votes counted.
“We are marching in solidarity for a new Nigeria, for free and fair elections, to put an end to ballot snatching and election theft, and to bring about due process in our country,” he mentioned.
He urged Nigerians to not stay detached to the nation’s challenges, stressing that residents had a duty to take part in efforts to enhance governance.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the rally was initially scheduled for October 1 to coincide with Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations however was cancelled on the final minute by the state Commissioner of Police, who cited safety considerations.
The rescheduled occasion is predicted to start on the Water Fountain alongside Nwaniba Road in Uyo, from the place contributors will proceed by means of designated streets within the state capital.
The chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Dr Ben Smith, mentioned the organisers anticipated participation each on the streets of Uyo and thru on-line engagement.
Smith, who can also be the South-South Zonal Financial Secretary of the NDC and State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, described the occasion as a solidarity march relatively than a protest.
He mentioned the programme would characteristic music, dancing and different social actions, including that the organisers supposed to supply a peaceable ambiance for contributors to precise their political aspirations.
Smith additionally invited opposition events and Nigerians from totally different ethnic {and professional} backgrounds to take part, saying the rally was supposed to show help for credible elections and improved governance.
According to him, preparations had been made for transportation, refreshments, medical help and inner safety, whereas the organisers anticipated the police and different safety businesses to supply safety all through the train.
The NDC’s Akwa Ibom State Publicity Secretary (New Media) and Director of Media for the Obidient Movement, Hon. Kingsley Okposin, appealed to younger folks to take part within the rally.
Okposin mentioned entry to healthcare, high quality schooling, good roads, reasonably priced housing and improved dwelling circumstances had been among the many points the organisers needed to focus on.
The NDC candidate for Abak State Constituency within the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Israel James, mentioned the march needs to be seen as a platform for residents to precise their aspirations for improved public providers relatively than merely show help for particular person politicians.
Captain Augustine Okon, who described himself as a veteran of the Obidient Movement within the state, mentioned he would take part within the march to encourage youthful supporters and promote peaceable political engagement.
Other audio system, together with the NDC state chief, Chief Sunny Ibanga, and the State Coordinator of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Comrade Ubong Kingsley Young, urged residents, non-indigenes and members of various ethnic communities to affix the train.
They appealed to contributors to conduct themselves peacefully and cooperate with safety personnel all through the march.
The organisers additionally urged Nigerians to train their civic duties by collaborating within the electoral course of and supporting efforts to advertise credible elections.
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