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

According to Rivers State Executive Order 21, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) paid the state government N95 million to use public venues for campaigns in the state.

WITHIN NIGERIA has learned that the Rivers PDP Campaign Council’s Director of Publicity and Communications Committee, Chief Ogbonna Nwuke, stated that the payment was in accordance with the precautionary requirement of N 5 million per public venue stipulated in the state governor’s Executive Order 21.

Prof Chinedum Mmom, the Commissioner for Education, acknowledged the payment in a letter of approval.

WITHIN NIGERIA recalls that Wike issued Executive Order 21 in October, which prohibits any political party from using public spaces such as schools and marketplaces for campaigning without prior authorization.

The order calls for permission from the state’s education commissioner and a payment of N 5 million 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.