Obi/Datti 2 million march shuts down Uyo

Ini Billie, Uyo

The 2 million march solidarity rally organised by support groups of Peter Obi, Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has caused gridlock in Uyo as Nigerians celebrated the nation’s independence.

The intense gridlock which began at the Nwaniba water fountain continued to Ibom Plaza, Ikot Ekpene road, and other major roads in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital as the “Obidient Movement,” embarked on the two million peaceful solidarity rally.

Over ten different support groups for Obi’s presidential ambition gathered around the water fountain, Nwaniba road as early as 8 am before moving to Ibom Plaza, the centre of Uyo, and from there to Ikot Ekpene road and other major roads in the city.

The gridlock which lasted for over two hours was peaceful, while the crowd of Nigerians of all classes and ages embarked on the solidarity march as security personnel were on the ground to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order.

The Campaign Director, Peter Obi Integrity Network for Transformation, (POINT) Engr. Okon expressed confidence that the candidate would emerge victorious in the general election considering the massive and divine support he is getting.

“Today is the Independence Day of Nigeria, and I can say that today is the day Nigeria is completely free and independent. As you can see, the revolution is going on and nothing can stop it. Look at the type of people that are coming out to express their love and passion for our principal. Everything about today is just dedicated for Peter Obi.

‘We see a divine hand in it, this movement is not ordinary; it started like a joke and it’s growing like wildfire. We are talking of 2 million man march and you can see the crowd and these two million people cannot be wrong.

While speaking, the President of Igbo community and Non-Indigenes in Akwa Ibom State, Dr Sunday Orie described the crowd as divine and urged everyone to show the same solidarity on the election day by voting Peter Obi.

” If it’s a rented crowd, how much do you think we can spend on one person? I see the hands of God in it. This is not Facebook or social media as they say. Nigeria will be good again when Peter Obi becomes the President. The thing there is that it is the people out of freewill joined the movement,” he said.

Also speaking, the former chairman, Agulu Peoples Union in Uyo, Mr Jude Anyanwor said the crowd is not a rented one, rather people who are tired and dissatisfied with ‘bad leadership’ in the country.

Anyanwor who is also a stakeholder in the “Obidient Movement Group” described the suffering in the country as unprecedented, urging the people to ensure that Nigeria regains its lost glory by voting Peter Obi in 2023.

“The time has come when everybody should take his/ her destiny in his hands. We want change in government and it is only Peter Obi that can bring about the positive change. The people who came out for the march, came out of their violation because they are tired of what is happening in Nigeria and want ‘change’ and a better Nigeria which can only come if Peter Obi wins.

One of the supporters, Ichie Martins Edimobi, said the march is not only for the youths but everyone who has been affected in one way or the other by bad governance in Nigeria.

Edimobi who is an Igbo Chieftain explained that he decided to march in solidarity with the youths despite his age and status because the current administration is an ill wind that blows the majority no good even as he urged the youths not to relent in supporting the emancipation of Peter Obi.

”Youths, this movement is for you and don’t allow anything to distract you from achieving this divine course. Obi is not going to give anybody any money to vote for him but he is offering himself and all we can do is to queue behind him. Campaigns have started and money bags will come do not allow their handouts to wreck your future,” Edimobi advised.

Helen Tom, a physically challenged lady who was part of the March, said her desire to ensure that change is affected motivated her to join the rally. ‘I am from Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. What motivated me here is ‘change’. I want a person that knows that people are hungry.

“I won’t allow my physical condition to deter me from supporting someone whom I know has the capacity to change Nigeria from the present state. We need a real change, not the change that put us in suffering right from 2015,” she said.