As part of efforts, aimed at sensitizing the people of Degema Local Government Area and seek their cooperation on the recently signed Executive Order 21 by the Rivers State Government, which attempts to regulate political activities in the state, chairman of DELGA, Michael John Williams, has conferred with critical stakeholders in the area.
The meeting, which took place at the Council Secretariat, had in attendance, chairmen of different political parties, heads of security outfits, as well as official of the electoral umpire in the area.
Speaking during the meeting, the council boss, who commended the party chairmen for honouring his invitation, allayed fears and misgivings in certain quarters that the Executive Order 21, which has also been operationalized in the area by his administration, was targeted at the opposition political parties.
He said the order, which is aimed at securing the lives and properties of the people and indeed, the State, was binding on all political parties, including the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The DELGA boss added said having applied through the Ministry of Education and obtained clearance for the use of any public school and premises, the local government chairmen were empowered by the Order to, upon verification of the clearance permit, allow the parties to make use of such public places and facilities, and even provide security for the events, as chief security officers.
“This Executive Order 21 is not targeted at any political party; it is binding on all political parties in the state, including the PDP.
“I therefore urge you all in the interest of peace to adhere and comply with the order.
“Kindly apply and bring your authorization letter from the Ministry of Education for the chairman to sight and I can assure you that you will not only be given the place without hesitation, but will also be provided security for your event.
He said his decision to engage the stakeholders on the issue, was in order to brainstorm and build consensus, in order to avoid unnecessary tension and misinterpretation in the LGA.
Speaking on behalf of all the political parties present at the meeting, Chairman of Accord Party, Dauphin Tonye, commended the council chairman for his initiative in bringing stakeholders to discuss progressively as people of the LGA.
He appreciated the chairman for all his good works in the area, assuring him that the political parties would cooperate and abide by the new law.
“I wish to commend you for your wisdom that has brought you this far. I also wish to use this medium to appreciate you for the good works you are doing for the people of Degema LGA.
“I believe that since we have come this far, we will not disappoint you. So thank you for this meeting which has enabled us to brainstorm and see ourselves as members of Degema LGA and not as people from outside,” Tonye said.
Also, the Electoral Officer (EO) in charge of Degema LGA, Mr. A. N. Nwana, in his contribution, disclosed that inline with the Electoral Guideline of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties were requested to write to the Commission, informing them to come and monitor their party activities, in order for the Commission to follow up on the parties’ budgets, expenditures and other campaign endeavours.
The meeting had in attendance the Executive Chairman of DELGA, Hon. Michael John Williams, Chairman of Accord Party, Hon. Dauphin Tonye, Chairman of Action Alliance (AA), Mr. Owupele Benson, Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Dickson Youngman, Chairman of PDP, Hon. Peter Abbey, Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Revd John Yellowe and Chairman of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Mr. Harry Solomon.
Others were; INEC EO in Degema, Mr. A. N. Nwana, Degema Divisional Police Officer DPO Usman Hamza Sani, representative of Police Area Police Commander, Barididum Kogbara, Head of the Department of Security Services (DSS) in the LGA, Edwin Asima and D. O of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), S.C. Abubakar Abdullahi Gusau, as well as the Council Secretary, Hon Nicolas Harry.
