From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates in the forthcoming Abia Local Government election are to pay N1m and N500,000 respectively to the Abia State Signages and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA) to be allowed to post advertising materials including bill boards and posters in preparatory for the election.
In addition, both the Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates are to pay another N100,000 said to be removal fees.
A statement signed by the Agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hon (Mrs) Victoria Onwubiko informed all political parties and the general public of the need to adhere strictly to the guidelines of the agency with respect to the posting of advertising materials during the forthcoming local Government elections
ABSSAA directed those involved to ensure that all fees for campaign advertising must be fully paid up before any bill board, posters, vehicle branding or other below the line materials are placed in any public space
The statement further directed that political parties should note that campaign materials whose content work against the spirit of fair play and decency will be removed and confiscated.
According to the release, “all payments must be made in full into the designated ABSSAA IGR account and evidence of payment brought to our offices at Umuahia and Aba.
“An approval certificate will be issued upon presentation of evidence of payment.”
The statement warned that failure to adhere to the guidelines would lead to a penalty of N100,000 and other sanctions.