Former Chief of staff to the Rivers state government and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief. Tony Okocha has reacted to the Executive Order 21 restricting political parties in the state from using public facilities for campaigns without approval.
Okocha, during an interview on NigInfo Crossfire with Ifiemi Andrew described the order as a legitimate means to bring order to political campaigns in the state, unlike what they did while in office.
He stated that the Rivers State government is only trying to protect public facilities, and any party that feels the law is draconian should either challenge it in court or device other means to carryout their campaigns.
According to him, during the last administration which he served as Chief of staff, they used illegitimate means to try and stop the People’s Democratic Party from holding campaigns in the state.
He recalled that there was a time the PDP wanted to use the Port Harcourt Club for its rally, and he went and paid for all the spaces in an attempt to stop the PDP from using the venue.
He also said it would have been difficult for the PDP to use the Adokiye Amieyesimaka Stadium for its rally if not that then President, Goodluck Jonathan was coming for the programme.
Okocha disclosed that they had gone to lock up the place to stop the rally but, the military intervened and broke all the keys to allow the President meet with supporters of the party.
He furthermore, said the Executive Order does not stop any party from holding campaigns in the state.
