The Labour Party in Rivers State, has called on the Commissioner of Police, Eboka Friday, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to intervene on the ban on political rallies in public schools without approval by the Rivers State Government.
The state governor, had few days ago announced the ban on rallies in public schools without approval, and that parties must pay the sum of five million naira to gain access to public facilities.
However, Chairman of Labour Party in the state, Deinye Pepple in a statement at the weekend, said most political parties have never been in power, and do not have such amount to pay for campaign.
He described the move by the government as a ploy to stop other parties from campaigning in the state.
He said apart from the ruling People’s Democratic Party, and the All Progressives Congress, other parties will find it difficult to pay the said sum, as it will in no doubt affect effective campaign in the state.
He revealed that the CP had advised political parties to inform them if they are denied any venue for campaign, noting that the party will do the needful.
Mr. Pepple called for level playing ground for all parties, noting that election is a contest and not war.
