Executive Order 21: PDP Reveals Proof Of N95M Payment To Rivers Govt For Use Of Public Venues

In line with Rivers State’s Executive Order 21, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has revealed that it paid the state government a sum of N95 million to use public venues for campaigns in the state.

Naija News gathered that the Director Publicity and Communications Committee of Rivers PDP Campaign Council, Chief Ogbonna Nwuke said the payment was in compliance with the precautionary requirement of N 5 million per public venue stipulated in the state governor Nyesom Wike’s Executive Order 21.

He noted that the payment was acknowledged in a letter of approval by the Commissioner for Education, Prof Chinedum Mmom.

Naija News recalls that in October, Wike passed Executive Order 21 which prohibits any political party from using public places like schools and market spaces for campaigns without authorization.

The order requires that permission is taken from the state’s education commissioner and a payment of N 5 million is to be paid for each venue.

The approval letter from Mmom read: “I hereby acknowledge receipt of your deposit of N95,000,000 into the State Government’s account, being the required precautionary deposit for the use of your indicated public schools’ facilities in Rivers State.

“Sequel to your compliance with the directive as contained in our letter dated 6th December 2022, I hereby convey to you my approval of your request for the use of state-owned schools’ facilities as indicated in the annexure to your application.

“Prior to this time, we have publicly indicated that as a responsible political party, PDP shall comply with the dictates of Executive Order 21.

“Now that we have received appropriate authorization, following full compliance with the order, we are prepared to commence open air campaigns in Rivers State.

“We have shown proof we, PDP is not above the law. While thanking Rivers people for their undying support for our great party, we assure them that our candidates will fulfill promises made to the electorate.

“Governor Nyesom Wike has met, and gone ahead to surpass, promises made to the people to pursue a clear vision that is transforming the State into the home of infrastructure.

“Siminalayi Fubara and all our candidates will consolidate on the dividends of democracy that are being delivered by the PDP. This is our pledge to the masses.”