The Ebonyi State government, Dave Umahi has disclosed details of what made the Nigerian police force to use teargas on supporters of Labour Party who were organizing a rally for Peter Obi in Abakaliki. Dave Umahi made this clarification through a statement that was released by his Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Chooks Oko.
Firstly, Dave Umahi stated that he did not order the police to use teargas on supporters of Labour Party during the rally. Dave Umahi stated that he had already approved the usage of the Abakaliki Township Stadium for a rally by the Labour Party. However, Dave Umahi disclosed that Labour Party were expected to pay some money to the Imo State government to be able to use the stadium but they refused to do so.
Dave Umahi went on to say that the leadership of Labour Party had the option of using the stadium for the rally, however, they decided to take thousands of people into the road. Dave Umahi stated that the presence of thousands of persons on the road caused a lot of difficulties for the road users. As a result of the inconveniences that the rally caused, police officers decided to disperse the crowd.