Police Halt Akwa Ibom Obidient March as Organizers Lament N20m Loss

The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Obidient Movement has expressed deep-seated anger and frustration following the eleventh-hour rescheduling of its planned two-million-man solidarity march in Uyo, the state capital. The peaceful march, which was strategically organized to coincide with Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations, was aimed at rallying grassroots support for their political platform. However, the event was abruptly halted following directive directives from the state police command citing overriding security protocols.

According to leading coordinators of the movement in Akwa Ibom, the sudden postponement has dealt a severe financial blow to the group, resulting in an estimated loss of over N20 million. Organizers revealed that these funds had already been disbursed for non-refundable logistical arrangements, including the rental of sound systems, customized promotional materials, venue security, and mobilization allowances for thousands of delegates traveling from distant local government areas.

"We had mobilized our members from all 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom. To be told at the last minute that we cannot march, after committing over N20 million of hard-earned resources, is not just a financial loss; it is a direct blow to our constitutional right to peaceful assembly," one of the core coordinators lamented.

The group maintained that all necessary pre-event notifications and security clearances had been submitted to the relevant law enforcement agencies weeks in advance. The sudden reversal has sparked allegations of political bias, though security officials insist the decision was made strictly to avert a potential breach of public peace during the national holiday.