The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Obidient Movement has lamented an estimated N20 million loss following the rescheduling of its planned two-million-man march in support of Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Uyo.

The march was scheduled to coincide with the Independence Day celebration on October 1.

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, had directed political parties, groups and associations to reschedule rallies, meetings, processions and other political activities earlier approved for the day, citing security concerns.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the command said the directive followed intelligence indicating that some individuals might exploit scheduled political activities to cause disturbances and threaten public peace.

The statement said the directive was issued in the overriding interest of public safety and security.

However, addressing a press conference in Uyo, the State Director of the Obidient Movement, Benjamin Smith, expressed disappointment over the decision, accusing the police of frustrating the planned march.

Smith claimed that the Commissioner of Police had earlier approved the march but later directed its rescheduling.

He disclosed that the movement had spent more than N20 million mobilising supporters across the 31 local government areas of the state and questioned the timing of the directive.

Smith also said representatives of the movement and members of the planning committee had honoured an invitation from the police on September 29.

According to him, the Commissioner explained that the police did not have enough personnel to provide security for a two-million-man march, particularly as the Peoples Democratic Party had also been approved to hold its rally in the state from October 1 to 3.

“He cited security concerns and possible clashes between the two political parties,” Smith said.

Smith, who was accompanied by officials of the Obidient Movement and NDC chieftains, said the group would not accept further cancellation of the event.

He also accused the police of violating the constitutional right to freedom of assembly.

“We want Nigerians to know that the police have violated the Police Act. It is a violation of the Nigerian Constitution that gives the people the right of freedom of assembly,” he said.