Ahead of the 2023 general election, Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has banned all forms of political rallies in all primary and secondary schools in the state from November 1, 2022.
Governor Umahi announced the ban at the State Citizens’ Input for the 2023 budget estimate, in Abakaliki, on Monday.
Umahi said all political parties including that of the All Progressives Congress must get approval from the Commissioner of Education before such rallies will hold, in the state.
According to him, the ban was a sequel to the defacing and destruction of facilities at the schools with faeces and another dearth during such rallies.
Umahi also banned the movement of motorbikes popularly known as Okada from 7 pm to 6 am, in Ebonyi State.
He said the decision was in a bid to secure the lives and property of residents, as according to him, criminals used motorcycles to perpetrate their nefarious activities.
Hé said, “The Attorney-General will come up with executive order banning motorcycles in every part of the State from 7 pm to 6 am. If you want to use it, use it before 7 pm. We have to do everything to secure your lives.
“When we take hard decisions it is because we have to take it. The primary responsibility of government is to secure lives and property, so you must make sacrifices to do it.
“From November 1, 2022, no rallies in schools whether primary schools or secondary schools. If you must hold rallies there, you must apply to Commissioner for Education and he must give you permission because when you do rallies in these places and mess it up with faeces and other dearths, who will clean it?
“So if you apply, you must put down money for the cleaning after the rally irrespective of the party.”
The Governor also lashed out at those calling for the disbandment of Ebubeagu, saying the outfit has come to stay.
According to him, the group was filling the gap created by inadequate manpower in the security architecture of the state.
