ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has signed the executive orders banning the use of primary school premises, market places and parks for campaigns by political parties, ahead of the general elections in 2023.
Umahi, the Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum also signed another executive order banning the use of motorcycles in the 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs), of the state between the period of 7:00pm to 6:00am, especially in the political periods.
He maintained that political parties who want to use the school, market and park facilities must apply and should pay a refundable sum of N5million to the ministry of education in the state.
The Governor made this known to newsmen through the Commissioner of Information and State Orientation, Mr Uchenna Orji, shortly after the State Executive Council meeting that took place at the new Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State, on Thursday.
According to him: “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.
“Exco noted 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.
“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.
“To 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.”
Governor Umahi also added that: The Governor and Chairman of Council assented in EXCO, Executive Order to Prohibit the Use of Motorcycles (Motor Bikes) from the hours of 7:00 pm to 6 :00 am in all parts of Ebonyi State.
“Exco noted the purpose of the Executive Order which is to contain and prevent robbery and armed robbery attacks, and other violent crimes on the citizens/residents of the state by criminals who use motorcycles (motorbikes) to perpetrate crimes,” he stated.