Governor
Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has ordered that the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) pay a N5 million fine for violating the conditions of Executive Order 3 of 2022.
Orji said that as a result, Gov. Umahi had decided to use his political party, the APC, as a deterrent to others.
Executive Order 3 forbids political parties from conducting political activities in public venues such as schools, parks, and markets without first seeking and securing permission from the state government.
The directive, signed by the governor in November, also prevents political parties from exploiting vital infrastructure for postering without first gaining permission from the state.
The order for the fine levied on the APC in the state is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abakaliki by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Uchenna Orji.
He claimed that Governor Umahi was dismayed by the parties’ constant posting of posters on power poles, meridians, concrete roadways, and flyover bridges.
Governor Umahi also directed the APC to remove all posters from public infrastructure by December 31.
The government will seal all secretariats and campaign offices of political parties that do not remove their posters or refrain from continual pasting of posters on important infrastructure,” he said.
Orji further reported that Gov. Umahi has prohibited any street campaigns in the state.
He has asked all local government area chairmen, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, and the Commissioner for Education among other assistants, to process all applications of political parties wishing to use infrastructures for campaigning.
Any political party that is denied such a chance while adhering to state laws and the Executive Order shall report to the state governor.
Affected parties may also report within 24 hours to the Commissioner of Police or the Director of the State Security Service for prompt authorization.