The Imo State government has charged opposition political parties N54 million for billboards placement for governorship campaigns in view of the governorship election on November 11.
This was communicated by the state government via the Imo Signage and Advertisement Agency (IMSAA) in a letter dated June 7, 2023, addressed to various opposition political parties running in the state’s upcoming governorship election. The letter’s General Manager is Hon. Chibuzor Umunnakwe.
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.”
The agency informed opposition political parties in another notice that the permit was non-transferable and would expire 30 days after the election.
Action Democratic Party (ADP) governorship candidate Dr. Kachi Nwoga bemoaned the situation during a media interactive session with journalists in Abuja, complaining that opposition parties were not permitted to exist in the state.
The candidate for governor claimed that even after paying the N54 million, the state might still deny the opposition parties the chance to even up campaign billboards.