Gov. Wike Issues Fresh Executive Order, Bans Use Of Residential Buildings As Campaign Offices

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has signed a new executive order (order 22) into law which regulates the kind of building political parties can use as campaign offices.

In a statement by the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, obtained on Tuesday, the new order comes into effect on Friday.

The Commissioner said that before any residential building can be used as a campaign office, due permission and approval must be obtained from the Rivers State Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning.

The executive order 22 also banned the indiscriminate posting of campaign flyers, bills, and posters in unauthorized places.

Government's statement claimed that many public properties in the state have been defaced by the constant posting of banners, bills, and other campaign materials.

The statement revealed that the Executive Order 22 prescribes that “any political party or association or body of persons however called or described that wishes to use any premises, building or structure situate in a residential area in any urban area of Rivers State as campaign office must obtain permission from the Rivers State Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning.”

Finebone further stated that the Executive Order RVSG – 22 is a legal instrument that forces political parties to fulfill certain conditions before embarking on campaigns in various parts of the state.