Politicians wrong displaying campaign posters, billboards before Nov 18 — OYSAA

The Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA) has warned seekers of political offices in Oyo State against displaying political campaign materials before the November 18 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the commencement of campaigns.

Director General, OYSAA, Dr Yinka Adepoju, sounded the warning on Thursday against the backdrop of unending pasting of posters by various politicians, their followers and political parties, across the state.

He lamented that the indiscriminate pasting of posters and illegal erection of billboards witnessed during the last primaries of various parties had continued, warning that future violators, especially during the forthcoming electioneering campaigns will be severely dealt with.

Noting that OYSAA had only 146 registered advertising practitioners, Adepoju said illegal billboards will henceforth be removed and confiscated without recourse to the owners of such boards.

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‘It is worth mentioning that the indiscriminate way in which posted and banners were pasted and displayed on fence walls, highways, roundabouts, public buildings, monuments and city landmarks by some politicians and other stakeholders during the last political primary election exercise a couple of months ago.

“Many of these banners and makeshift billboards debased our environment thus constituting an eyesore and serious embarrassment to the government, citizens and visitors to the state. This is totally unacceptable to the agency and wish to warn that future violators shall be severely dealt with especially now that we have cleaned up the environment at a huge cost.

“OYSAA is also using this medium to announce to all political office seekers in all the parties that in line with INEC directive, no political material should be displayed before November 18, 2018, when the campaign for presidential and national assembly elections will commence.

“It is equally important to note that before displaying any advertising material such as banners,  posters, billboards, it is mandatory that they obtain Agency’s approval and also make payment for whatever structures they intend to use during the electioneering campaigns as failure to do so will attract appropriate sanctions,” Adepoju said.