2023: Why Parties Should Pay Before Using Facilities For Campaigns — Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has defended his Executive Orders barring the use of hotels, recreational centres, and private residences among others as offices of political parties or for hosting political meetings or rallies.

Per reports, Wike vowed to prosecute leaders of political parties who violate the orders amid the protest in the region against the use of public school premises and other government-owned facilities for political campaigns.

While defending the Executive Orders during the inauguration of the Ahoada -Omoku Dual Carriage-way on Wednesday, the governor clarified that he is not against the use of the facilities for political activities.

Wike stated that money must be deposited before the facilities can be used so that whatever damage is caused, repairs can be made.

“I didn’t say nobody should use primary and secondary schools for campaigns. All I have said is if you want to use primary and secondary schools for your campaigns, you deposit money.

“So that when you’ve used the place and spoiled anything in the school, the government will use the money to repair those things you spoilt and clean up the school.

"And there are those who say that they would disobey and no person will do anything. If you do disobey, you know where you will be”, he said.