Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has prohibited the use of residential areas for political campaigns.
According to Leadership, Wike signed an Executive Order 22, which makes it illegal for political parties to use buildings in residential areas as campaign offices without approval.
The Order also specified that the Rivers State Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning is required to give such approval.
The governor’s order, which he claimed would support the enforcement of the Rivers State Outdoor Signage and Advertisement Law, also forbade the posting of bills, posters, or any other type of material in places that were not authorized.
The Order reads: “Executive Order RVSG – 22 prohibits the use of premises, buildings and structures in residential areas in urban and non-urban areas as campaign offices by political parties without approval.
“The Order also prohibits the posting of bills or posters or any other material in unauthorized places.
“Any political party or association or body of persons however called or described that wishes to use any premises, building or structure situate in a residential area in any urban area of Rivers State as campaign office must obtain permission from the Rivers State Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning.”
