Former lawmakers in Enugu State are asking the local legislature to withdraw a proposed bill aimed at managing crowd control. They believe the bill could infringe on citizens’ constitutional rights.
The call came from the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, led by Denge Josef Onoh. They issued a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, expressing their concerns about the potential impact of the Enugu State Crowd Control and Management Agency Bill, 2026.
The forum acknowledged that the bill’s sponsor, Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze, is an experienced legislator with good intentions to protect lives and prevent dangerous situations at events. However, they pointed out that certain parts of the bill could conflict with rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
One major concern is the bill’s definition of a “large gathering” as any event with more than 100 people. The former lawmakers argue that this could limit the right to peaceful assembly, affecting everyday events like weddings, funerals, and community meetings.
They also raised issues regarding freedom of movement, suggesting that the bill’s requirements could create unnecessary restrictions on citizens. Onoh mentioned that the timing of the bill is problematic, given the increase in political activities in the state.
The forum believes that introducing such a bill now could lead to misunderstandings among the public about its intentions. They urged Obieze and the Enugu State House of Assembly to reconsider the bill to maintain peace and uphold democratic freedoms.
Onoh emphasized that the former lawmakers are committed to supporting the development of the state and are willing to provide guidance to future lawmakers.
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