Enugu ex-lawmakers call for withdrawal of crowd control bill

Former members of the Enugu State House of Assembly have called for the withdrawal of the proposed Enugu State Crowd Control and Management Agency Bill, 2026.

The former lawmakers, under the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, said the bill could infringe on citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of movement.

The forum’s chairman, Denge Josef Onoh, made the call in a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.

Onoh said the forum recognised the good intentions of the bill’s sponsor, Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze, saying it was designed to safeguard lives, prevent stampedes and address vulnerabilities at event centres.

However, he said some provisions of the proposed legislation could conflict with the 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 40, which guarantees freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

Onoh said the bill’s definition of a “Large Gathering” as any gathering exceeding 100 people, alongside penalties ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1 million or six months’ imprisonment for failing to obtain a government permit, could restrict citizens from holding gatherings without prior state approval.

He also raised concerns over Section 41 of the Constitution, saying the bill’s proposed bureaucratic requirements and crowd-control measures could place an undue burden on citizens exercising their freedom of movement.

Onoh said the timing of the proposed legislation could also fuel public anxiety, particularly as political activities and transitions were beginning to gather momentum across the state.

He said the concerns raised by members of the public showed that the bill could be misunderstood or perceived as an attempt to restrict civil, religious or political gatherings.

The former lawmakers therefore urged Obieze and the leadership of the Enugu State House of Assembly to withdraw the bill.

Onoh said the forum’s position was aimed at preserving peace, democratic freedoms and the reputation of the state House of Assembly.

“Let us prioritize the immediate psychological and social peace of the good people and residents of Enugu at this time,” Onoh concluded.