Umahi signs two executive orders prohibiting rallies in schools, use of motorcycle beyond 7pm

From Chinedu Nwafor, Abakaliki

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has signed two  executive orders prohibiting unauthorized use of primary and secondary schools premises or fields, markets or motorparks for political rallies, ahead of the 2023 general elections and the use of motorcycle beyond 7pm daily, across the State.

The State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barrister Uchenna Orji, who disclosed this, on Thursday, shortly after the State Executive Council meeting, said the two executive orders came into effect on 3rd November, 2022.

According to Orji, the purpose of the Executive Order is to protect the pupils and students from vulnerabilities arising from the activities of criminals who use the opportunity of rallies of political parties to commit felonies within the school premises either before, during or after the rallies, including unknown gunmen who may exploit the security lapses in such events to attack pupils or students while in school or who may be boarding students.

On the executive order on the use of motorcycle, the Information Commissioner, said, “Exco noted the purpose of the Executive Order which is to contain and prevent robbery and armed robbery attacks, and other violent crimes on the citizens/residents of the State by criminals who use motorcycles (motor bikes) to perpetrate crimes.”

Orji said anyone or group who wished to use the school premises, market places or motorparks for rallies must first get government approval, henceforth.

“The Governor and Chairman of Council assented in EXCO, Executive Order NO 3 of 2022. Executive Order to Prohibit the use of Primary or Secondary School Premises or fields, Markets or Motor Packs for Rallies or Processions or Gathering or Similar Activities in Ebonyi State

“Exco noted the purpose of the Executive Order which is to protect the pupils and students from vulnerabilities arising from the activities of criminals who use the opportunity of rallies of political parties to commit felonies within the school premises either before, during or after the rallies, including unknown gunmen who may exploit the security lapses in such events to attack pupils or students while in school or who may be boarding students.

“Exco noted the need to guarantee the security of lives and properties of the pupils, students, traders, customers, commuters, drivers and general public, including school facilities, parks, markets especially in the period of campaigns where non-state actors may be threatening fire and brimstone over the 2023 general elections.

Exco encouraged the Governor to do everything within his powers to protect vulnerable persons in schools, markets, motor parks from unpredictable attacks especially during the period of rallies, processions and assemblies by political parties.

“The Executive Order cited as Executive Order No 3 of 2022, and which came into effect on 3rd day of November, 2022 makes it mandatory among others, for all  persons and bodies:

“To seek and obtain in writing, the approval of the Honourable Commissioner for Education before the holding of such rallies or processions within the School premises

“To seek and obtain in writing the approval of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market and Parks Development before the holding of such rallies or processions within any market or motor park in Ebonyi State

“To submit an undertaking to the State Ministry of Education through Honourable Commissioner for Education not to damage or destroy any structure of facilities within the school premises and to ensure the environmental cleanliness of the premises after the said rallies or processions.

“To submit an undertaking to the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market and Parks Development not to damage or destroy any structure or facility within the market or park and to ensure the environmental cleanliness of the premises after the said rallies or processions.

“The Governor and Chairman of Council also assented in EXCO, Executive Order to Prohibit the Use of Motorcycles (Motor Bikes) from the hours of 7:00 pm to 6 :00 am in all parts of Ebonyi State

“Exco noted the purpose of the Executive Order which is to contain and prevent robbery and armed robbery attacks, and other violent crimes on the citizens/residents of the State by criminals who use motorcycles (motor bikes) to perpetrate crimes.

“Exco being concerned by the incessant crimes happening in parts of the country which have the potentials to escalate to any part of Nigeria including Ebonyi State, noted the imperative of the Executive Order in containing and preventing robbery, armed robbery and violent crimes and in ensuring security of lives and properties in Ebonyi State and the powers of the Governor to make such Order in line with Section 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as Amended and commended the Governor in this regard.

“The Executive Order cited as Executive Order No 2 of 2022  came into effect on 3rd day of November, 2022,” Orji explained.