Ex-Enugu Lawmakers Demand Withdrawal of Proposed Crowd Control Bill over Constitutional Concerns

The Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly has called for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed "Enugu State Crowd Control and Management Agency Bill, 2026," citing serious constitutional breaches and widespread public outcry.

The call was contained in a press statement issued to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja by the Chairman of the Forum, Denge Josef Onoh, on behalf of the leadership and members.

While acknowledging the good intentions of the sponsor, Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze, the former lawmakers warned that key provisions of the Private Member Bill infringe upon the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

According to the Forum, the draft bill runs foul of Section 40 (Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association) and Section 41 (Freedom of Movement). Specifically, the proposal broadly defines a "Large Gathering" as any gathering exceeding 100 persons and attaches stiff penalties—ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000 in fines or six months imprisonment—for organizing such events without a government permit.  

Onoh argued that these restrictions impose unfair bureaucratic hurdles and effectively curtail citizens' fundamental rights to gather freely for social, religious, or traditional functions, such as weddings, burials, and community town hall (Umunna) meetings.

"As an institutional custodian of legislative heritage in our dear state, our forum operates on a collective responsibility to guide, advise, and support the current assembly," Onoh stated. "We bring to bear our combined wealth of legislative experience to ensure that the laws passed from the hallowed chambers of Enugu State remain flawless, executable, and people-centric."

The Forum emphasized that the bill was not politically motivated, clarifying that Obieze’s vision was proactively aimed at safeguarding lives, preventing deadly stampedes, and addressing structural safety at event centers. However, Onoh stressed that timing remains a crucial element in effective governance.  

With political activity steadily picking up across Enugu State, the Forum warned that introducing legislation that strictly regulates public gathering numbers creates fertile ground for public panic and severe political misinterpretation.

"The widespread panic and outcries from the masses—who fear the bill could be weaponized to suppress civil, religious, or political gatherings—clearly indicate that the socio-political climate is entirely unfavorable for this kind of legislation," the statement noted. "Introducing it at this juncture represents a highly critical phase of bad timing."

In its advisory appeal, the Forum urged Obieze and the current leadership of the Enugu Assembly to step down the proposed law in the interest of public peace and to preserve the institution's legislative reputation.  

"Our advice is offered in good faith and with deep professional brotherhood," Onoh concluded. 

"Let us prioritize the immediate psychological and social peace of the good people and residents of Enugu at this time."