The member representing Ezeagu Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Chima Obieze, has explained the purpose of his proposed Public Safety Bill, popularly known as the Crowd Control Bill, dismissing claims that it seeks to restrict public gatherings or compel residents to obtain government permits before holding private events.
Obieze, who sponsored the bill as a private member, said the proposed legislation was designed to prevent stampedes and other avoidable tragedies at crowded events, insisting that it was not intended to infringe on the constitutional rights of residents.
In a statement titled “The Truth About the Public Safety Bill (Crowd Control Bill) for Enugu State,” the lawmaker said deliberate misinformation had surrounded the proposal, prompting him to clarify its provisions and objectives.
“Nowhere in the Bill did it provide that people need a permit or approval from any Agency of government to meet or gather,” he stated.
Obieze also dismissed claims that gatherings involving more than 100 people would require permits, explaining that the bill merely distinguishes between ordinary and large gatherings to guide public safety planning.
He further denied that weddings, burials, birthday parties or traditional Umunna meetings would require government approval under the proposed law.
“Nowhere in the Bill did it say that anyone seeking to have a wedding, burial, birthday, or Umunna meeting requires a permit. That claim is false,” he said.
According to the lawmaker, the bill would require organisers of events expected to attract large crowds, including music concerts, religious crusades, political rallies, carnivals, palliative distributions and large burials, to make adequate arrangements for security, medical emergencies, fire safety, entry and exit routes, and crowd management.
He explained that the proposal would not establish a new agency to harass citizens but would coordinate existing government institutions responsible for public safety, including the Police, Fire Service, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Transport and ENSWAMA.
Obieze emphasised that the bill was not sponsored by the Enugu State Government but was his personal legislative initiative, driven by concerns over the loss of lives at poorly managed public events.
He cited several stampede incidents across the country, including the Adoration Ground Uke tragedy, the December 2024 Christmas palliative distribution incident at Obi Jackson’s venue in Okija, Anambra State, the Ibadan funfair stampede in which 35 children died, the Abuja Maitama food distribution stampede and a crusade stampede in Port Harcourt.
The lawmaker also pointed to reported cases of sexual molestation, robbery and violence at inadequately secured concerts as reasons for establishing clearer safety requirements for large gatherings.
Addressing concerns that the bill could be used to target opposition parties, Obieze said its provisions would apply equally to government functions, opposition rallies, churches, mosques, masquerade displays and private events.
“Stampede, fire outbreak or stage collapse does not check party card,” he stated.
He also argued that Enugu would not be the first state to introduce measures aimed at improving safety at public gatherings, citing the Lagos State Safety Commission Law, Ondo State Executive Order 011224 of 2024, Oyo State Executive Directive 001 of 2026 and Anambra State’s Public Gathering and Palliative Distribution Regulation Order.
On the constitutional implications, Obieze maintained that the bill was not intended to undermine the right to peaceful assembly guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
“The Bill is not against the Right to peaceful assembly under Section 40 of the Constitution. It provides for safety at the assembly. You cannot enjoy freedom of assembly if you die at the assembly,” he said.
He further cited Section 33 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, describing it as fundamental to the enjoyment of other rights. He also relied on Section 45, which permits certain legal restrictions that are reasonably justifiable in the interests of public safety, public order and public health.
Obieze said the proposed legislation would provide special protection for women, children, elderly people and persons living with disabilities against abuse, molestation, stampedes and degrading treatment at crowded events.
The lawmaker also clarified that the proposed supervising agency would not have the power to impose fines or collect penalties from event organisers at its discretion.
According to him, fines or imprisonment could only follow a conviction by a Magistrate Court, while the agency’s primary responsibility would be to collaborate with event organisers and guide them in meeting the prescribed safety standards.
He described the bill as cost-effective, explaining that it would rely largely on personnel seconded from existing ministries rather than require new buildings or an expensive administrative structure.
Obieze further argued that safer public events could encourage investment and tourism, as businesses and visitors would be more confident in a state where gatherings could be held with adequate safety arrangements.
Explaining the bill’s current status, the lawmaker disclosed that it had been stepped down to address concerns raised by opposition parties, prevent politicisation and allow for wider consultations and public enlightenment.
“The Bill has been stepped down at this time to allay the fears of opposition parties, to prevent politicization, and to allow for wider consultation and public enlightenment. It has not been abandoned,” he said.
He added that the full text of the bill was available for members of the public to read, study and make contributions, encouraging residents to seek clarification and submit suggestions.
Obieze provided the email address [email protected] and telephone number 08037505339 for members of the public seeking further information about the proposed legislation.
