Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Labour Party, has taken steps to abort alleged plots by the Abia State Government to stop its presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi; and the governorship flag bearer, Dr Alex Oti, from campaign in Aba, the main commercial centre of the state.
This is following the signing of a letter of undertaking by the Chairman of the party in the state, Mr Ceekay Igara, in a meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohamed Bala.
Ikengaonline recalls that Labour Party had on Tuesday, bickered with the State Government following a directive by the state for the party to stop its planned rally at Ngwa High School today (Thursday) on the pretext that it would disrupt academic activities.
Commissioner for Post Basic Education, Chief Israel Mark, had in a letter, asked the party to change the date of the rally or seek an alternative venue for the event to avoid disrupting academic activities.
The State Government had also claimed that school property could be vandalized during the rally.
It further directed that political parties wishing to use school premises or stadiums for rallies should apply to Education Ministry, and Sports Ministry for approval with an undertaking to take responsibility for any vandalism of such public property.
The directive, however, sparked uproar and public condemnation as many said it was targeted against the opposition.
Meanwhile, Labour Party, in a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police, pledged to maintain peace and good conduct during the rally.
The letter read in part: “Sequel to the meeting held with the Labour Party Leaders and the Commissioner of Police Abia State Command on Wednesday, 09/11/2022, and the resolution agreed upon, we hereby resolve to maintain peace and good conduct all through the duration of our campaign rally at Ngwa High School Aba on Thursday, 10th November, 2022.”
LP presidential candidate, Obi is expected to grace the rally where the party’s governorship candidate, Otti, is expected to present his manifesto.
