The ruling All Progressives Congress has defended the N5 million fine imposed on the party by Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi for indiscriminately posting campaign posters on public property.Information Guide Nigeria
Umahi, who stated that he would use his own political party as a scapegoat, claimed that the action violated the provisions of Executive Order 3 of 2022.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abakaliki by Ebonyi Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Uchenna Orji.
Orji, who claimed the move was an attempt by the state government to set a good example, went on to explain that the ‘Executive Order 3’ prohibits political parties from using public places such as schools, parks, and markets for political purposes without prior approval.
Bala Ibrahim, the APC’s Director of Publicity, responded to the fine by saying that the governor’s action was reasonable.
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Ibrahim believed that the executive order’s ultimate goal was to restore sanity and ensure that public spaces are free of nuisance.
He said, “It is okay. I think Umahi’s action is fair enough. It represents that popular idiom of ‘charity beginning at home.’ Depending on how you look at it, what is this executive order meant to achieve? You have to look at the intended value of that Executive Order 3. Is it for the better or larger interest of the public? Then so be it.NYSC portal
“But if the opposition thinks it is to disrupt campaign or deprive some political opponents, they equally have the right to go to court and challenge it.
“I think what the governor did was to reduce the nuisance of turning public places with billboards into a littering space.”
When asked if the ruling party is contented with being used as scapegoat while other parties are left off the hooks, Ibrahim noted that the message is clear enough.JAMB portal
The APC director further told The PUNCH that the governor’s decision to punish his own party was enough proof of the extent he is determined to go if such violation continues.
“I think he is only trying to show example by being so benevolent in forgiving and exempting other parties from payment of penalties. That is okay to me.
“It should, however, be seen in the light of a warning, knowing there is a stiffer penalty of N50m awaiting them if such act repeats itself in the state.JAMB Result
“Everything should be done in the interest of fairness,” he said.
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