Wike, however, vowed to penalise heads of schools who connive with political parties to hold rallies without approval by the state government.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has barred politicians from using public schools for political rallies without the approval of the state ministry of education.
The governor signed Executive Order 21 on Friday to this effect, noting that the application for approval must be submitted at least two weeks before the campaign date.
According to Wike, applicants will also deposit the sum of five million caution fees in case participants in a rally destroy facilities in the schools.
Wike stressed that a local council chairman has the right to stop any rally if approval is not sought.
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He also warned that the state government would not allow political parties and their supporters to disturb the peace in the state with political campaigns.
As required by law, the outspoken governor advised candidates for next year’s election to be committed, peaceful, and responsible in their conduct.
Wike, however, vowed to penalise heads of schools who connive 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 signed a motion passed by the State Assembly to de-recognise Celestine Omehia as former Governor of Rivers State.