The platform of past lawmakers of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Wednesday, sought the withdrawal of the proposed Enugu State Crowd Control and Management Agency Bill, 2026.
The bill was sponsored by the member representing Ezeagu State Constituency in the state Assembly, Chima Obieze.
The ex-lawmakers warned that some provisions of the bill could undermine constitutional freedoms, such as restrictions on peaceful gatherings and political activities.
The Chairman of the group, Denge Josef Onoh, in a statement, said the group, after reviewing the bills, became concerned about provisions that could conflict with rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.
Onoh said the bill might not have political undertones, but could have negative impacts on political activities. The former lawmakers particularly raised concerns over the proposed definition of a “large gathering” as any gathering exceeding 100 people, as well as penalties ranging from N500,000 to N1m or six months’ imprisonment for holding such gatherings without government approval.
According to them, such provisions could affect ordinary activities such as weddings, funerals, community meetings and religious gatherings. “The proposed bureaucratic requirements and perimeter controls could place an unnecessary burden on citizens exercising their constitutional right to movement,” the forum said.
Onoh also faulted the timing of the proposed legislation, considering the 2027 general elections and the expected campaigns. He said reactions of the people towards the bill informed the position of the lawmakers that the assembly should consider the prevailing socio-political atmosphere before proceeding with the legislation.
The intervention is to preserve peace, democratic freedoms and the reputation of the legislature, Onoh said, adding that the forum’s position is in good faith and based on the members’ collective legislative experience.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Democratic Congress’ governorship candidate in the state, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, has condemned the proposed Enugu State Crowd Control and Management Agency Bill, 2026.
According to him, the bill “seeks to compel organisers of any gathering of 100 persons and above — including political meetings — to obtain permits from a governor-appointed agency or face heavy fines and imprisonment”.
Ohaa in a statement by his media aide, Sampson Ukwu, said the move “is a desperate attempt to stifle free assembly and silence opposition voices in Enugu State”, as well as an effort of an APC lawmaker “to criminalise peaceful gatherings in Enugu”.
Ohaa said it was a sign of panic, noting that, “A government that is delivering good governance does not fear its own citizens coming together. Only a government that has lost the confidence of the people resorts to such repressive measures. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) clearly guarantees every citizen the right to assemble freely and associate with other persons, particularly for the protection of their interests. Any attempt to subject this constitutional right to the whims of a political Agency is an assault on democracy.”
He added that, “This proposed bill exposes the fear in the heart of the current administration. When a government begins to legislate against the people’s right to gather, it is an admission of failure. We will not be intimidated. Ndi Enugu have the right to meet, to discuss their future, and to choose their leaders freely. My administration will protect, not criminalise, the people’s right to assemble.”
He called on well-meaning Ndi Enugu, civil society organisations, and the Nigerian Bar Association to rise against the bill. “The people of Enugu will not watch while their fundamental rights are gradually eroded. No amount of intimidation, violence, or repressive legislation will stop the march towards a better Enugu.”
