By Archibong Jeremiah
Following the recent accusation against the Cross River State Signage and Advertisement Agency (CRISSAA) of being a political tool used by the State Government to witch hunt oppositions as the general election approaches the by Sen. John Owan Eno, APC Governorship candidate. The CRISSAA DG Stanley Nsemo-Livingstone has released a statement countering the allegations.
According to Sen. John Owan Eno in a press conference where 13 other gubernatorial candidates pitched tent with him, “I challenge them if Owan Eno is not a force to recon with let them allow my billboards to stand. Let them stop playing games, those games are cheap, uncilvil and undemocratic.
“We paid the mandatory fee of two million and they want us to pay a fine of seven million, the campaign organization has written to the signage agency for about a week now to put that in writing, write to us formally and they have failed to do so. I’ve looked at the act establishing the agency and they don’t have such powers.” He said.
The CRISSAA DG Mr. Stanley Nsemo-Livingstone posted his position on his facebook wall. “The Cross River State Signage and advertising Agency has observed with great intrigue the politicizing of the rules that were set long before the primaries or general election campaigns. Needless to say we have been on air in all the radio stations in Cross River State, announcing and repeating these announcements. I suspect you will hear it on any radio station in CRS.
“Sen. Owan Enoh’s campaign organization used paper posters during their primary elections and was duly informed by CRISSAA about this violation and its consequence.
“Sen. Owan Enoh’s campaign organization also began branding and posting of billboards before he got his CRISSAA and APCON clearance.
“Sen. Owan Enoh’s campaign organization has on two occasions posted materials on billboards whose owners have not fulfilled their obligations to the State Government. The latest being the posting on Marian January 4th 2018.
“It is interesting to note that I have had this conversation with the good Senator and members of his team multiple times, and we have documented proof of the aforementioned. I have advised that he work with CRISSAA to help him avoid issues like this. Some PDP candidates have also had their boards brought down for various violations as well.
“We will be sending the proof of these violations and a petition to the IG and Commissioner of Police CRS. We have received numerous threats, yet we stand firm. There are many other APC campaigns posted across the State, these individuals followed the rules.
“For the avoidance of doubt please see below some of the Senators violations and our very public warnings. The good Senator himself called me to say his boys acted wrongfully and I confirmed that I had been notified. He asked his DG to see me and I explained to him that they had pending fines.
“Again this issue can be easily resolved when the fine is paid. We look forward to helping the Senator as we have helped other members of his party and other political parties.” The post ended.
Though the post didn’t answer some issues raised by Owan Eno, so this reporter called the DG on phone. When asked about allegations of not formally communicated in writing to the APC Governorship candidate or his campaign organization and not having the legal backing to undertake such action. He said, “We haven’t received any letter from them, I only spoke to Senator on phone, they violated the law, we are helping APCON maintain minimum standards.”
The issue has received wide commentary on social media especially facebook. The SDP Guber candidate Barrister Eyo Ekpo’s deputy, Mr. Wofai Ewa posted on facebook saying “This Billboard battle caused by the PDP-led Government in CRS will usher in Violence that will set the pace for VIOLENT elections.
“The PDP Government has to stop playing into the hands of the APC who will gladly prefer the elections to be rescheduled to a new date where concentrated Federal Might may be deployed.
“Let someone please advice the incumbent. Once elections are rescheduled, the PDP cannot win CRS even if Professor Angel Michael is appointed the REC to conduct the elections.” He maintained.
Amidst the commentaries, some people support CRISSAA and wish them well while some despise them. Also some believe CRISSAA motive is purely professional while some believe it’s political.
Also in recent developments, there are allegations that the issue has escalated to the point where APC supporters have capitalized on this and resulted to damaging the incumbent’s billboards.
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