Ban on Rallies: Umahi dares CSOs, you can’t intimidate me, am ready for Litigations

By Clement Nnachi (abakaliki)

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has dared members of the Coalition of United Political Parties   (CUPP) that threatened to institute legal action against  the State government to meet him in court.

The CUPP had in a recent media briefing berated the State Government over the imposition of N5 million levy on political parties on usage of schools and markets for rallies.

Umahi made the assertion  at the Legislative Chambers on Monday while presenting the State 2023 Appropriation estimate to members of the State House of Assembly.

According to Umahi, ” if a political party want to use any of the schools for rallies, government  needs to know that there will be no distraction of pupils/students

Governor Umahi had signed Executive Order Number 3 of 2022 last week,  which stipulates that parties must write  and get permission from the Education Commissioner before being allowed to use any school premises for campaign.

The Executive Order stipulates that political parties must write and get permission from Government before being allowed to use other public places like markets, parks for campaign rallies.

“The Order also stipulates that N5 million  down payment must be made before the approval, which will be used to repair any damages that may occur during the rally.

Umahi while signing the Order said it applied to all parties including the All Progressive Party (APC).

Meanwhile,  Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and political parties in Ebonyi State have lampooned Governor David Umahi over the Executive Order.

The Group said the Governor’s action, among other Human Rights abuses, was antithetical to the Freedom of Association and movement which are guaranteed by the constitution of the country.

The Group comprised of Human Rights Defenders (HURIDE) Ebonyi State, Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) Ebonyi State, Democratic Rights Ambassadors of Nigeria (DRAN)bl and Ebonyi First Vanguard (EFV).