The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state has dragged Governor Nyesom Wike to court over executive orders.
Wike in November, signed executive orders 21 and 22 prohibiting political parties from using public schools for campaigns without permission from the State’s Ministry of Education and payment of a non-refundable sum of N5 million while 22 banned political parties from the use of buildings in residential areas as campaign offices.
However, Rivers State Chapter of the APC said that it is challenging Executive Orders 21 and 22 signed into law by Governor Wike because they are unconstitutional.
The spokesman of the APC Campaign Council in the state, Sogbeye Eli, said they won’t apply for the use of public facilities, adding that it is an irregularity and the matter has been taken to court.
He said, “Our party is not going to apply to anybody for use of public facilities for campaigns. That will amount to recognising irregularity. We have already approached the Court to challenge Executive Orders 21 and 22. So, let the Court decide on that.”
Speaking further, the party spokesperson said that the Appeal Court order which overturned the ruling of the High Court regarding the participation of the APC candidates in next year’s election is a welcome development.
He said the hopes of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers to be the only political party that will be on the ballot during the elections has been dashed.
“We have brought you here to share time with you and tell you how happy we are that finally, the Daniels have come to judgement.
“That those who had plotted to stop us and thereby deprive Rivers people the opportunity to exercise our freedom as enshrined in the constitution to freely elect our leaders whether as president or governor or representatives whether State Assembly or National Assembly have failed woefully.”
