ENUGU — The member representing Ezeagu Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Chima Obieze, has withdrawn his proposed Crowd Control and Public Safety Bill following widespread public criticism, saying he wants to allow for wider consultations and better public understanding of the legislation.
Obieze announced the decision on Thursday, October 8, 2026, after the proposed legislation generated concerns among residents, civil society groups and former lawmakers over its potential implications for freedom of assembly and other constitutional rights.
In a statement, the lawmaker maintained that he introduced the bill in good faith to prevent stampedes and other avoidable deaths at crowded public events. However, he acknowledged that lawmakers have a responsibility to ensure citizens understand the purpose and implications of proposed legislation.
“My proposed Crowd Control and Public Safety Bill is hereby withdrawn,” Obieze stated, adding that the initiative was motivated by concern for the safety of children, women, persons with disabilities and other residents.
Lawmaker Explains Purpose Of Bill
Obieze said the proposed legislation was intended to establish basic safety standards for events attracting large crowds, rather than restrict lawful gatherings or impose unnecessary burdens on residents.
He cited several fatal stampedes across Nigeria, including incidents in Okija, Anambra State; Ibadan, Oyo State; and Maitama, Abuja, in December 2024.
The lawmaker argued that inadequate crowd management, poor emergency medical preparedness, insufficient entry and exit routes, and weak security arrangements contributed to such tragedies.
He said the bill sought to make event organisers responsible for providing essential safety measures at concerts, religious programmes, carnivals, political events and charitable distributions.
Proposed requirements included first-aid services, fire extinguishers, crowd-control barricades, clearly designated emergency exits and adequate security personnel.
Obieze also expressed concern about the approaching festive season, when community celebrations, religious programmes and charitable distributions typically attract large crowds.
He maintained that effective planning and emergency preparedness could reduce the risk of stampedes and preventable deaths.
Proposed Restrictions Spark Concerns
The bill attracted criticism over provisions reportedly requiring organisers of gatherings involving more than 100 people to obtain government clearance or face penalties.
Reports on the proposal indicated that violations could attract fines ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1 million or imprisonment for up to six months.
Critics argued that such requirements could affect ordinary activities, including weddings, funerals, religious services, community meetings and political gatherings.
The Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, chaired by Denge Josef Onoh, urged the current legislature to withdraw the proposal, warning that some provisions could conflict with constitutional protections for peaceful assembly and freedom of movement.
The former lawmakers acknowledged the stated objective of preventing stampedes but argued that the proposed restrictions could place excessive burdens on residents exercising their lawful rights.
They also raised concerns about the timing of the proposal amid increasing political activities ahead of future elections.
The controversy intensified public scrutiny of the proposed legislation and contributed to calls for its withdrawal.
Obieze Promises Wider Consultation
Explaining his decision, Obieze said legislation must be properly understood by the people it is intended to serve.
“Every law is made for the citizens. As a lawmaker, I owe the citizens the duty to ensure that they understand the mischief or purpose every new legislation seeks to cure,” he said.
He added that when citizens misunderstand a proposed law, lawmakers should step back, provide further explanations and consult more widely.
The legislator said he would formally communicate the withdrawal to the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly and continue engaging relevant stakeholders on public safety at large gatherings.
He thanked residents, civil society organisations and other stakeholders who expressed opinions on the bill, describing both support and criticism as part of the democratic process.
Public Safety Debate Continues
The withdrawal has brought the immediate controversy surrounding the proposal to a pause, while leaving open the broader question of how Enugu State can improve safety at crowded events without unnecessarily restricting citizens’ rights.
The debate highlights the challenge lawmakers face in balancing public safety with constitutional freedoms, particularly where proposed regulations affect religious, social, political and community activities.
Obieze reaffirmed his commitment to protecting residents and preventing avoidable deaths, declaring that the safety of Ndi Enugu would remain a priority.
Any future legislative initiative on crowd management will now have an opportunity to benefit from broader consultation, clearer communication and consideration of the concerns raised by residents and other stakeholders.
