The Governor of Ebonyi State Southeast Nigeria, Engineer David Umahi has signed an Executive Order that all Political parties that wish to hold rally in the State must get approval from the appropriate authorities and as well make a deposit of Five million naira (5m) to Ebonyi State Government to be qualified to hold such rally.
The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barrister Orji Uchenna made this known to Journalists immediately after the State Executive Council EXCO meeting held in Abakaliki, the State capital.
Orji said “the Governor and Chairman of Council assented in EXCO, Executive Order NO 3 of 2022. Executive Order to Prohibit the use of Primary or Secondary School Premises or fields, Markets or Motor Packs for Rallies or Processions or Gathering or Similar Activities in Ebonyi State”.
He noted that the purpose of the Executive Order which is to protect the pupils and students from vulnerabilities arising from the activities of criminals who use the opportunity of rallies of political parties to commit felonies within the school premises either before, during or after the rallies, including unknown gunmen who may exploit the security lapses in such events to attack pupils or students while in school or who may be boarding students.
The EXCO noted the need to guarantee the security of lives and properties of the pupils, students, traders, customers, commuters, drivers and general public, including school facilities, parks, markets especially in the period of campaigns.
“The Executive Order cited as Executive Order No 3 of 2022 and which came into effect on 3rd day of November, 2022 makes it mandatory among others, for all persons and bodies:
To seek and obtain in writing, the approval of the Honourable Commissioner for Education before the holding of such rallies or processions within the School premises
To seek and obtain in writing the approval of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market and Parks Development before the holding of such rallies or processions within any market or motor park in Ebonyi State“. He added.
Moreso, Political Parties must submit an undertaking to the State Ministry of Education through Honourable Commissioner for Education not to damage or destroy any structure of facilities within the school premises and to ensure the environmental cleanliness of the premises after the said rallies or processions.
Furthermore, Orji also informed that Political parties must submit an undertaking to the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market and Parks Development not to damage or destroy any structure or facility within the market or park and to ensure the environmental cleanliness of the premises after the said rallies or processions.
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