…Signs Executive Order 22
By: Felix Ikpotor
Indications have emerged that the Rivers State governor, Chief Nyesom Wike through the agents of government may start shutting down offices of opposition political parties in the state especially those located in residential areas.
This followed the signing into law of Executive Order 22 by the governor.
The Order prohibits the use of premises, buildings and structures in residential areas in urban and non-urban areas as campaign offices by political parties without approval.
The Order also prohibits the posting of bills or posters or any other material in unauthorized places.
Speaking while signing the Order, Wike condemned the incessant defacement of expensive public properties particularly in Port Harcourt through indiscriminate posting of handbills, banners, posters and all sorts of unauthorized materials.
The Executive Order 22 also prescribes that “any political party or association or body of persons however called or described that wishes to use any premises, building or structure situate in a residential area in any urban area of Rivers State as campaign office must obtain permission from the Rivers State Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning.”
Port Harcourt Spectator recalls that the governor had earlier banned parties from using public facilities for campaigns and rallies without approval from government and payment of five million naira non-refundable caution fee.
