Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has responded to criticisms and threats to sue the state government over the recent executive order number 3, which prohibits political parties from holding campaign rallies in schools, markets, parks, and other government facilities.
According to Track News, the governor, who denied banning political rallies in the state, stated that the government is prepared to appear in court with five Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to challenge any planned suit by Civil Society Organizations (CLOs).
Umahi’s reaction follows threats by some CLOs to file legal action against the order prohibiting political rallies from taking place in public places.
Tracknews previously reported that a group identified as a coalition of civil rights and political groups in the state criticized the state government’s executive order prohibiting campaigns in public places.
The human rights writers association of Nigeria democratic rights ambassadors, a coalition of united political parties, has threatened to challenge the legality of the order in court if it is not overturned within 24 hours.
Umahi, who spoke on the floor of the House of Assembly yesterday during the presentation of the 2023 budget estimate, said any party that wants to use a school for campaigns or rallies must notify the Education Commissioner, and no boarding school may be used for rallies or campaigns.
He also stated that the order applies to all political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), and that they must pay for billboard advertisements as well.
Last week, the governor issued Executive Order No. 3 prohibiting political parties from using schools, markets, parks, and other government facilities for campaigns and rallies.
According to Uchenna Orji, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, the governor signed Executive Order No. 3 of 2022, which prohibits the use of primary or secondary school premises or fields, markets, or motor parks for rallies, processions, or gatherings of similar activities.
To use the facilities, parties must pay a N5 million refundable fee.
