Police Stopped Pro- Jonathan Rally in Enugu

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News, News From The State, Politics Friday, June 20th, 2014

From Ignatius Okpara, Enugu

The subtle drive to crave support for the President’s next political ambition, took another dimension on Friday in Enugu as armed Policemen stopped a solidarity rally for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election.

As early as 9am, scores of armed policemen had taken over the entire Michael Okpara square, originally scheduled for the rally put together by a body, believed to be operating under the banner of Goodluck Initiative for Transformation (GIFT).

Policemen at the Michael Okpara square, Friday morning

The Enugu state government-owned square was under lock when our correspondent visited.

Speaking to newsmen outside the square – where the rally eventually held amid tight security, the National coordinator of the group, Chinedu Okpalanma, regretted that they were denied access to the square, despite formal communication earlier to use place.

He however, explained that the essence of the zonal rally was to sensitize the people of the south eastern geo political zone of Nigeria on the need to support Jonathan for a second term.

According to Okpalanma, “Mr. President deserves a second term, because he has done well in his first tenure”. He disclosed the group would stage what he described as “mother of all rallies” in Abuja, on July 21, should the President failed to declare his interest before the date.

The group, he said, would continue to mount pressure on the President until he indicates his interest to run for a second term. He revealed the pro- Jonathan organization will shut down the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Efforts by African Examiner to get reaction from the Manager of the square hit the brick wall, as he refused to take several calls put across to his mobile phone.