Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State.
Governor David Umahi's led administration has declared that a political party would only be allowed to conduct a rally in Ebonyi school premises after paying five million Naira (N5m) into the state government account.
The Umahi-led government directed that before any political party would use Ebonyi school premises, should get approval from the State Ministry of Education.
The Ebonyi Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Uchenna Orji disclosed this, Thursday while briefing newsmen after the state executive council meeting at Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki.
Orji said: "The Governor and Chairman of the Council assented in Executive Order NO 3 of 2022 to Prohibit the use of Primary or Secondary School Premises or fields, markets or motor Packs for rallies processions or gatherings 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 the students while in school or who may be boarding students.
"Exco noted the need to guarantee the security of lives and properties of the pupils, students, traders, customers, commuters, drivers and the general public, including school facilities, parks, and 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 predictable 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 the 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
"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."
