- ANSAA: LP Failed To Meet State Government Conditions
By Chuks Collins, Awka
THE Labor Party (LP) in Anambra State has condemned alleged mass dismantling of all billboards of its presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, across the state.
Describing the action as “punitive, condemnable and unacceptable,” state Chairman of the party, Chief Ugochukwu Emeh, at a press conference on the unfortunate issue at the ObiDatti Campaign headquarters in Udoka Estate, Awka, noted that the act was alien to the state’s polity and should be discouraged.
While tendering pictures of the dismantled billboards that were at the same time replaced, as well as the duly paid charges as demanded by the signage agency, the LP chairman revealed that their billboards that were dismantled have been replaced with those of the governor’s All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).
Emeh stated: “The good people of Anambra State had greeted the emergence of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo with great expectations. The citizens enthusiastically anticipated that the light that would transform and illuminate the state has come at last. But unfortunately, it’s now obvious that it was a sad and misplaced expectation.”
He reminded Soludo that there was nothing really wrong with nursing an ambition, but that that must be guided by decorum, diligence and sanity of live and let live, adding that no such ambitious person should cut his nose to spite his face.
“With this shameful act of ordering the pulling down of our presidential campaign billboards across the state and replacing them with APGA messages, the governor has shot himself in the foot. The smear even extended and soiled all APGA candidates.
“His action depicts arrogance of power and shows his disdain for the feelings and aspirations of any other person, even his party members, he noted.
Emeh appealled to the Nigerians and members of the party, as well as the Obidient Movement in the state to remain very peaceful, focused and law abiding, even as he alleged that it was clear that Soludo lacks the ingredients of democracy and plurality of opinions, going by his series of unguarded and unwarranted attacks on Obi, LP and the Obedient Movement.”
He reiterated that with the gale of endorsement for Obi and his running mate, Dr. Ahmed Datti, no attacks on their billboards will slow down the Obidient political movement that has been sweeping across the country’s political landscape like a tornado.
Emeh called on men and women of good conscience to call the governor to order before his antagonistic disposition becomes a culture.
But in a swift reaction, the Managing Director of Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), the body in charge of outdoor adverts/signage issues, Mr. Tony Ujubuonu, explained that the party was unable to meet the state government conditions; hence the billboards were removed and payments returned to the party.
Ujubuonu said: “In August 2022, ANSAA sent out a letter to all the political parties in Anambra to obtain political campaign permits, which would enable them to enjoy campaigns around the state and access to rent available government outdoor media assets and public spaces.
“Also in October 2022, the agency sent out another letter to the candidates reminding them of the need to obtain the permit. Before commencing enforcement in November 2022, ANSAA ran a one-week sensitisation paid adverts in the media, in case someone missed the earlier formally communicated information.
“Many of the political parties and their candidates responded, including a good chunk of candidates of the ruling party in the state. But sadly, no payment was made by the Labour Party candidates both at the national and state House of Assembly levels. Several phone calls and entreaties were made to them through their media managers, but they ignored these.
“They have had several campaigns in the state without permits and have their campaign materials everywhere without permits. It’s only fair that all politicians should be treated equally. Any political party candidate affected knows that either they are yet to pay or are yet to complete their payments of the political campaign permit.
“We hope this is not a case of entitlement mentality or a brazen decision to disobey the ANSAA. Once again, ANSAA will not allow itself to be drawn into any partisan politics, but will continue to serve Ndi Anambra to the best of her ability.”
