From Chijioke Agwu, Abakaliki
Ebonyi Governor, David Umahi, yesterday banned any form of political rallies in all primary and secondary schools across the state.
The governor, who announced the ban during Citizens’ Input and Consultation for the 2023 Budget estimation and Nigeria 2023 Population and Housing Census, added that the ban takes effect from today.
He emphasised that all political rallies including that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) must get approval from the Commissioner for Education before they are held.
According to him, the ban was sequel to the defacing and destruction of facilities at the schools with faeces and other dirts during such rallies.
Umahi also banned the movement of motorbikes popularly known as Okada from 7pm to 6am. He said the decision was taken in a bid to secure lives and property as criminals use bikes to perpetrate their nefarious activities.
“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 sacrifice to do it.
“From Nov 1, 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 this 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”, he said.
The governor said those calling for ban on Ebubeagu are wasting their time, adding that the outfit has come to stay.
He said the group was filling the gap caused by inadequate manpower in the security agencies in the State.