Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Ahead of the September commencement of 2023 election campaigns, the Anambra State government has issued a statement banning the use of posters on bridges and road demarcations along the streets of the state.
It also said the pasting of campaign posters on street light poles; roundabouts and other public buildings have been prohibited.
The statement signed by the MD/CEO of Anambra Signage and Advertising Agency, ANSAA, Tony Odili Ujubuonu, said such materials in advert forms such as posters, public address system, banners, fliers, bunting, T-shirts, caps and sundries must be fully paid for and approved by the government authority before it is displayed for public consumption in the state.
It also directed that the payment of posters be made to the government revenue account before pasting anywhere, noting that politicians who default in the payments will face legal prosecution before election.
The statement read in part: “As campaign for 2023 general election officially commences next month, September; Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), in charge of all forms of Advertising in the state wishes to bring some important information to your notice.
“That posting of posters on bridges, road demarcations; street light poles, roundabouts and public buildings remain prohibited.
“That every campaign material and advert forms such as posters, public address systems, Banners, Fliers, Buntings, T-shirts, caps and sundries must be duly approved for after full payment of the requisite fee.
“That every billboard must be displayed through a registered advertising practitioner after the advertising content has been vetted by the APCON.”
The government in the release stated that Presidential candidates are mandated to pay N10 million; Senatorial Candidate N7million; Federal House of Representatives N5, million; and State House of Assembly N1, million to be eligible to paste their campaign posters.
The Statutory costs for out of home media and mobile advertising were also pegged at N100,000 for 48 sheets billboards, N500,000 for Spectacular billboards, N500,000 Gantry displays; N100,000 for Irregular shaped billboard; N50,000 for branded vehicle; and N5,000 for tricycle (Keke) rear branding, respectively.
