Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Friday signed Executive order 21 which will bar political parties from making use of public schools without the approval of the ministry of education.

Wike stated that the application for the approval must be submitted at least two weeks before the date of the campaign.

The governor who disclosed this during the signing of a motion passed by the State Assembly spoke while signing a motion passed by the State Assembly to de-recognise Celestine Omehia as former Governor of Rivers State said that applicants will also deposit the sum of five million caution fees in case attendees destroy the facilities in the schools.

According to him Governor Wike stressed that a local council chairman has the right to stop any rally if approval is not sought, adding that state government will not allow political parties to disrupt the peace in the state with their campaigns.

He advised candidates for next year’s election to be committed, peaceful, and responsible in their conduct as required by law.

Wike however, promised to penalize any head of school that connives with political parties to hold rallies without approval by the state government.