Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike has signed an executive order 21 which prohibits political parties from using public schools without the approval of the state.
The governor said that the notice for usage must be submitted two weeks before campaign.
He announced the development while signing a motion passed by the State Assembly to de-recognise Celestine Omehia as a former Governor of Rivers State.
He also revealed that those interested in using the facility would have to pay a sum of five million naira as caution fee in case participants in the rally destroy facilities in the school.
He also warned political parties that no form of disturbance would be tolerated in the state adding that it is paramount they maintain peace during the campaign.
Wike stressed that a local council chairman has the right to stop any rally if approval is not sought.
The Peoples Democratic Party chieftain however, promised to penalize any head of school that connives with political parties to hold rallies without approval by the state government.
He reiterated his stance against the use of hotels and other leisure spots as meeting points by hoodlums and cultists ahead of the 2023 elections.
Wike also urged candidates for next year’s election to be committed, peaceful, and responsible in their conduct as required by law
This article was originally published on OsunDaily News
