Wike accused of demanding N5m from political parties to hold rally in govt event centres

Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike has signed Executive Order 21 to prohibit the use of public schools for political parties without approval from the Ministry of Education.

According to him, parties would also deposit the sum of five million Naira (N5m) in caution fees in case attendees destroy facilities in the schools.

Wike noted the application for approval must be submitted at least two weeks before the date of the campaign.

He retorted that a local council chairman had the right to stop any rally if approval was not sought.

Governor warned that the state government would not allow political parties and their supporters to disturb the peace in the state, as the campaigns begin.

Wike urged candidates for next year’s election to be committed, peaceful, and responsible in their conduct as required by law.

He further warned that any head of school that connived with political parties to hold rallies without approval by the state government would be dealt with.