Anambra State has debunked reports insinuating that Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the removal of billboards belonging to the Labour Party in Anambra State.

 

 

 

A statement signed by the Press Secretary to Governor Soludo, Mr Christian Aburime, recalled that in August 2022, Anambra Signage and Advertisement Agency, ANSAA sent out letters to all the political parties in Anambra State to obtain political campaign permits as provided by law which would enable them enjoy campaigns around the state and access to rent available government outdoor media assets and public spaces.

 

 

 

The statement said that also in October 2022, the Agency again sent out another letter to the candidates reminding them of the need to obtain the permit.

 

 

 

It explained that before commencing enforcement in November 2022, ANSAA ran a one-week sensitisation paid adverts in the media for further general reminder to all political parties and their candidates, which many of the political parties and candidates responded including the APGA candidates.

 

 

 

The statement regretted that no payment was made by the Labour party candidates both at the National and State House of Assembly levels, while

 

several phone calls and entreaties were made to them through their media managers by ANSAA, which were brazenly ignored.

 

 

 

It noted that the party had several campaigns in the state without permits and has its campaign materials everywhere without permits.

 

 

 

According to the statement, it is only fair that all politicians and political parties should be treated equally, as the Labour Party cannot choose to be lawless in a society governed by laws and regulations, whereas other parties and candidates complied with directives of the signage agency, except Labour Party, which believe it is entitled to a different set of rules.

 

 

 

The statement said that Governor Soludo and Anambra state under him have been commended as the most tolerant state during this campaign period, as the Governor has even allowed former Governor Peter Obi to use government facilities for his campaign without paying any fees.

 

 

 

It restated that Governor Soludo has nothing to do with the billboards, adding that the Signage Agency is the lawful authority to regulate billboards and also apply sanctions.