Polls: Imo Govt Imposes N54m on Opposition to Erect Billboards
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Ahead of the November 11 governorship election, the Imo State government, has imposed the sum of N54 million on opposition political parties as advertising and signage displayed permit fees for governorship campaigns.
The state government, through Imo Signage and Advertisement Agency (IMSAA), made this known in a letter dated June 7, 2023, signed by its General Manager, Hon. Chibuzor Umunnakwe and addressed to various opposition political parties participating in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The letter, titled: ‘Schedule of rates and terms for political advertising and ancillary signage displays in Imo State for gubernatorial campaigns’ revealed that the political parties, who intend to erect billboards or engage in any sort of campaign must apply to the agency.
Though the letter was dated June 7, the agency maintained that the rates, terms and conditions came into effect on April 2, 2023 for all types of political advertising, out-of-home display of campaign materials and ancillary items for gubernatorial campaigns in the state.
“Political candidates intent on deploying outdoor/public displays must obtain, fill and submit the IMSAA application for outdoor political campaign advertisement form.
“A list of proposed billboard sites, including the ones for rental should be indicated in the form or as a separate attached document. If the sites are going to be built by the candidate or supporting parties, these would be treated as temporary structures.
“On approval of the form content, candidate will make the appropriate fee payments as indicated below. IMSAA finds all processes satisfactory, candidates will get a compliance confirmation letter from the agency.”
In another notice sent to opposition political parties, the agency said the permit was not transferable, while it expires 30 days after election.
Speaking on the development at a media interactive session with journalists in Abuja, the governorship candidate of Action Democratic Party (ADP), Dr. Kachi Nwoga, lamented that opposition parties were not allowed to breathe in the state.
The governorship hopeful said the payment of the N54 million did not even guarantee that the state would oblige the opposition parties opportunity to even erect the campaign billboards.
