Umahi bans political rallies in Ebonyi schools

• As gunmen kill Ebubeagu operative

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has banned all forms of political rallies in primary and secondary schools in the state from November 1, 2022.

Umahi announced the ban at the State Citizens’ Input for the 2023 budget estimate, in Abakaliki, yesterday.

He said political parties, including All Progressives Congress (APC), must get approval from the Commissioner of Education before rallies are held in state schools.

According to him, the ban is the result of the defacing and destruction of facilities in schools with faeces and other dirty materials used during such rallies.

Umahi also banned the movement of motorbikes, popularly known as Okada, from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. across the state.

He said the decision was in a bid to secure the life and property of residents, as, according to him, criminals used motorcycles to perpetrate criminal activities.

He said: “From November 1, 2022, there would be no rallies in schools, whether primary or secondary schools. If you must hold rallies there, you must apply to the Commissioner for Education, and he must give you permission, because when you do rallies in these places and mess it up with faeces and other dirty materials, who will clean it?

“So if you apply, you must deposit money for cleaning after the rally irrespective of the party.” 

The governor also lashed out at those calling for the disbandment of Ebubeagu, saying the outfit has come to stay.

According to him, the group is filling the gap created by inadequate manpower in the security architecture of the state.
MEANWHILE, gunmen have reportedly killed a member of the Ebebeagu Security Outfit, in Ebonyi.

The incident, it was gathered, occurred at Okposi Community, in Ohaozara Council of the state, at 11:00 p.m., on Sunday.

The victim, whose name was given as Joseph Nwanja, was said to have been killed at a checkpoint in the area.

A source in said: “This man was shot dead at Okposi, Ohaozara Council of Ebonyi at 11:00 p.m. by unknown gunmen, while he was on duty as an Ebubeagu officer.

The Ebebeagu Commander in the state, Friday Nnanna, confirmed the incident.

Meanwhile, the body of the victim has, reportedly, been deposited in the mortuary and an investigation is ongoing.