Ebonyi gov’t bans political rallies in schools

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has announced a ban on the holding of political rallies in public schools in the state with effect from November 1.

Umahi also banned commercial motorcyclists from operating between 7pm and 6am to checkmate insecurity.

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The governor announced the bans in Abakiliki on Monday at a stakeholders’ summit on citizens’ input and consultations for the 2023 budget estimates.

The summit also discussed Nigeria’s 2023 population and housing censuses.

Umahi said political parties must get clearance from the education commissioner to hold rallies in the schools.

“Let me make it clear that from November 1, before any political rally can hold in primary and secondary schools, political parties must get approval from the Ministry of Education.

“No political campaign must hold in any public school and this is our position.

“We do not want situations where facilities in our schools are destroyed in the name of campaign. We don’t want people to go there and begin to defecate around school premises.

“We want to checkmate destruction in our schools and preserve facilities there,’’ he said.

Umahi also decried the use of hate speeches by candidates of political parties and tasked all politicians to desist from the act.

On the 2023 budget estimates, he said the large chunk would go to education, infrastructure, health, and agriculture among others.

In his contribution, Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr Orlando Nweze, said the state estimated more than N139 billion as the budget for 2023. (NAN)