2023: Political Party To Pay 5M Before Using Public Facility For Rally In Ebonyi

From Iruka Onyemaechi, akailiki

Ebonyi state government has declared that except a political party paid five million naira (5million) would not be allowed to use any public facility. The state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr Uchenna Orji, disclosed this while briefing Journalists at the Ochudo Centenary City, New Government, Abakaliki.

Speaking after the executive council meeting, Barr. Orji disclosed that before any political party would be allowed to use public facility among school, motor park and market must pay the approval sum of five million to the concern ministries. Orji who explained that government facilities were not totally banned as speculated, but said the sum of five million must be paid to the state Internal Generated Revenue(IGR) account before gaining the rally venue approval. 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. Orji further emphasized that the decision was taken as to ensure security of lives and property by suspected opposition non state actors. "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 where non-state actors may be threatening fire and brimstone over the 2023 general elections. "EXCO encouraged the Governor to do everything within his powers to protect vulnerable persons in schools, markets, motor parks from unpredictable attacks especially during the period of rallies, processions and assemblies by political parties. "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".

He further hinted that the political party before approval should submit an undertaking in writing as to hold them responsible of any eventuality. "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. Orji added, "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. "To 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." Picture: Barr Orji Uchenna Orji, Ebonyi state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation