*Yelwata People To Obi: Please Return, We’ll Welcome You
By Tony Ezimakor, Abuja
The leadership of Obidient Movement in Benue State has announced the immediate postponement and rescheduling of the One Million Man march in solidarity with Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, earlier fixed for today (Saturday, September 12) in the state.
The march will now hold on 26 September, according to organizers who cited safety and security concerns raised by relevant agencies.
“The decision to reschedule the march reflects our commitment to ensuring that the event is conducted in a peaceful, orderly, responsible, and lawful manner, with due regard for the safety and security of all participants, residents, and other road users”, National Coordinator Dr Mo (Moses Paul) posted on his X.
According to the statement, the march was not cancelled, but shifted after extensive consultations and careful consideration with relevant stakeholders and security agencies.
He said that in line with earlier arrangements, convergence point for the march remains Wurukum Roundabout, Makurdi, the state capital.
Rather than view the adjustment as a cancellation, the Obidient Movement National Coordinator declared the the decision to reschedule was a thoughtful one that would strengthen mobilization and coordination for greater good.
“We sincerely regret any inconvenience, disappointment, or hardship that the postponement may have caused our members, supporters, and all those who had already made preparations to participate.
“We urge everyone to remain united, steadfast, committed, peaceful, fully mobilised and turbo charged as we work towards the new date,” he stated.
Following the disruption by hired armed thugs of the humanitarian visit to beleaguered Yelwata community by Obi, the Benue chapter of the Obidient Movement opted for the march in solidarity with the presidential candidate.
Meanwhile, elders and leaders of Yelwata community on Saturday conveyed their regrets to Obi over the unprovoked action of the thugs and pleaded for him to visit the community at his earliest convenience.
