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EONYI government on Saturday at Abakaliki enjoined politicians to adhere strictly with campaign guidelines issued by INEC for the 2023 general elections.

Gov. David Umahi gave the admonition is a statement issued by his media aide, Mr Chooks Oko.

He said the state was committed to peaceful campaigns by all political parties.

“I urge all political parties operating in the state to strictly adhere to INEC guidelines bearing in mind also the penalties for violation as contained in the State’s Executive Order 3.

“On our part as government, we assure of our continued respect for freedom of all political parties to conduct their activities in the state within the ambit of the law,’’ Oko quoted Umahi as saying.

The state’s Executive Order 3 restrains political parties from holding rallies in public schools, markets and other public utilities without clearance for government.

In the campaign guidelines, INEC also set restrictions on venues for rallies, including public schools and worship places.

“I welcome INEC’s decision banning political rallies in worship centres, and in primary and secondary schools.

“It as a vindication of the spirit behind Ebonyi State’s Executive Order 3 of 2022,’’ the governor was also quoted to have said.

Umahi described INEC’s stand as a patriotic decision for the safety of school children and the protection of public property from unwarranted invasion and possible destruction.

“With this, we have been vindicated from unguided criticisms emanating from uninformed quarters over the Executive Order 3.

“It has brought to the fore, our proactive character in preserving lives and the common heritage of the people,’’ the governor said.

He reiterated his commitment to offering all political parties equal free space for the conduct of their lawful campaigns.

“Ebonyi people are law-abiding people and we wouldn’t want our state to be portrayed in bad light,’’ Umahi stressed. (NAN)

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Tags: GOV. David Umahi INEC