APC not excluded from ban on use of Ebonyi schools for rallies – Commissioner

Ebonyi State has said that the ban placed on all political actors, directing them not to make use of public schools in the state for political rallies, does not exclude the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The Informant247 recalled that the governor of the state on the Oct. 31 placed a ban on political parties not to make use of the public schools in the state, for political rallies, the ban which took effect from Nov.1.

The decision of the State government generated controversy in the public with some political actors eager to know if the ban would also have effect on the APC too.

Mr Uchenna Orji, who’s the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, falsified the rumour on Saturday at Abakaliki, the state capital while addressing newsmen.

He revealed that all political actors and platforms were bound by the provisions of the ban which was aimed at protecting the pupils, students and staff that make use of the schools for academic purposes.

“The apprehensions should be allayed because even in civilised societies, there are conditions attached to political parties holding rallies in public facilities.

“We should correct the earlier insinuations that the order banned political parties from ever holding rallies in these facilities.

“All political parties, including the ruling APC must secure approval from relevant authorities to use the schools and other public facilities,’’ he said.

The commissioner noted that securing the lives and property of the people was paramount to the government and that should override all personal interests.

“Holding political rallies in schools ordinarily puts the security of pupils and students at risk because they are vulnerable.

“Since parents are not with the pupils and students while in school, anything can happen.

“We have security reports that gunmen may attack schools during campaigns, so the order was a proactive step to forestall such incidents,’’ he said.

“People also pay to use the stadium for various activities, so the provisions of the order are not new.

“The media should assist government in propagating the ideals of the order as insecurity is a menace affecting everyone,’’ the commissioner stressed.