GOVERNMENT FROWNS AT INVASION OF SCHOOL FACILITIES AND PUBLIC PLACES FOR POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS.
Government says that it has come to its notice that some misguided Political Parties are now embarking on the willful invasion of School Facilities, Stadia and Valuable Public Premises across the State all in the name of holding rallies and Political Campaigns.
A release endorsed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy Dr. Eze Chikamnayo states that whereas, the State Government, as a staunch promoter of participatory democracy and democratic freedoms will continue to give necessary support to all citizens to exercise their rights, it must be pointed out that the enjoyment of such constitutional rights must be conducted within the ambits of the law.
According to the release, Public Utilities, School Facilities, Stadia and Valuable Public Premises are properties of the people entrusted into the care of Government, adding that Government will not stand by and watch such facilities willfully vandalized by elements with malicious interests disguising as politicians.
The release notes that unscrupulous acts of these lawless individuals and groups jeopardize the efforts of Government at all levels to provide succor to the children and citizens for whom those facilities were established.
It therefore states that henceforth, in addition to notifying the Security Agencies, the written consent of the Education Secretary of a Local Government, the permission of the Chairman of that Local Government must be duly sought and obtained before the use of any Primary School Premises.
It further emphasized that groups and individuals seeking to use any Secondary School should direct their applications and obtain their permit through the Secondary Education Management Board and the relevant Local Government Chairman.
The release further explains that because of the sensitive and expensive nature of the modern turf and equipment recently installed in the stadia, the consent of the State Ministry of Sports and the relevant Local Governments and State Authorities must be formally sought and obtained.
It made it clear that applicants wishing to use the Aba Stadium and others must give adequate guarantee to take responsibility for any damage sustained as a result of their activities before being allowed to use that prestigious monument.
It added that the directive has become necessary for the protection of the common good and advancement of decency in political conducts, stressing that it takes immediate effect.
Opara Joeiyke
