Chairmen of three local government councils in Rivers State have called for total adherence to the principles and objectives of the Executive Order 21 issued by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Friday.
The chairmen – Engr Samuel Nwanosike; Barrister George Ariolu; and Dr Enyiada Cookey-Gam – of Ikwerre; Obio/Akpor; and Opobo/Nkoro local government councils, said that the total adherence to the executive order would ensure violence-free electioneering campaigns, and credible 2023 elections in the state.
Speaking in Isiokpo, the Ikwerre Local Government Area headquarters, Nwanosike, called for strict compliance to the Executive Order 21, and directed all political parties and candidates wishing to use the facilities of public schools for political activities to obtain permission from the state Ministry of Education two weeks prior to the date of the event.
Nwanosike, while issuing the directive, charged all traditional rulers and security agents to ensure that political parties and candidates making use of public school facilities within their jurisdictions obtain permission from the Ministry of Education as mandated by the Executive Order 21.
He stated that the enforcement was with immediate effect, warning that the full weight of the law would fall on those who are culpable.
Nwanosike stressed that the Rivers State Executive Order 21 was not intended to witch-hunt anyone political party or individual, but aimed at securing public school facilities and maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the event of clash of activities.
Similarly, Ariolu directed members of the public to adhere strictly to the Executive Order 21 with immediate effect across communities in Obio Akpor.
This, he said, is in compliance with the state government’s directive, which states that political parties and candidates seeking to use premises of public schools should obtain a written approval from the Ministry of Education, two weeks before the date of the event.
In a statement, Ariolu urged traditional rulers and security agencies in area to ensure strict compliance to the order.
He also stated that any community that fails to report any breach, traditional rulers of such communities shall be made to explain to government, adding that the full weight of the law shall be brought upon anyone or political party, candidate or group found culpable in contravention of the order, irrespective of how highly placed the person might be.
Ariolu said the early warning was to avoid name calling and breakdown of law and order in the event of any disruption of unauthorised gatherings.
Speaking further, he said that the order was intended to sustain the peace prevalent in the local government area at the moment.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, DrEnyiada Cookey-Gam, reminded political parties, candidates, and their supporters of the enforcement of the Executive Order 21 signed by the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Friday, prohibiting the use of public schools for political campaigns without the approval of the state Ministry of Education.
The ONOLGA boss warned political parties and candidates must follow the guidelines of the order in obtaining permission from the Ministry of Education not less than two weeks before the date of the rally, in addition to payment of a non-refundable security fee of N5million.
The chairman said political parties and candidates must submit proof of payment and permission from the state Ministry of Education to the council for final clearance.
He said the use of public school buildings, structures and premises for political rallies was lawful only when there was compliance.
Cookey-Gam vowed to enforce the Executive Order 21, and warned that any political party or candidate who dares violate the rules would face the full wrath of the law.
He urged the security agencies, local vigilantes, and traditional rulers to implement the order across the 11wards in the area.
Cookey-Gam noted that the adherence was inline with his administration’s commitment to ensure safety of lives and property in the area.
He enjoyed political parties and candidates for the 2023 general election in the area, to avoid conduct that may trigger fracases that may lead to political tensions during and after the campaigns.

By: Nelson Chukwudi