By Jonathan Ugbal
Tearing of billboards and campaign posters is an old trick known to almost all who are interested in the political scene as a favorite tool usually employed by members of opposing political divides against themselves.
This tool seem to be in use in Cross River as the campaign posters of one of the gubernatorial hopeful of the People’s Democratic Party in Cross River State, Prince Jedy Agba have gone almost extinct in Calabar Metropolis and some other parts of the state.
CrossRiverWatch set out to find out the reason behind this action and gathered from respondents who spoke with our correspondent that Staff of the Cross River Signage and Advertisement Agency (CRISSA) where the perpetrators of this act.
CrossRiverWatch then proceeded to the Head office of the agency located along Bishop Moynagh Avenue in the State Housing Estate area of Calabar only to meet non-press friendly staff on duty, but two who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were afraid the campaign team of Prince Jedy Agba were yet to pay a stipulated fee also arguing that the posters of all candidates were been removed not only that of Prince Jedy Agba, they however did not deny they could be foul play in the process.
“We are removing all posters because they are illegal under the Cross River State Law, the only authorized things are flex banners and billboards, however you know our Oga (boss) answers to another Oga that is why some are still left.” said one. While the other said ”we do our job without sentiments but you know there is always a Judas” said the other.
But Prince Jedy Agba told CrossRiverWatch today that all required fee by the state government have been duly paid but the government was merely looking for a reason to attack his posters and billboards.
“My posters and billboards are being maliciously removed and damaged across the state as we talk. They state signage agency says we have not paid their stipulated fee but that is not correct because we have duly paid all that. Our opponents are merely looking for a reason to attack us.”
As at press time, all except few of Prince Jedy’s posters could be seen from Tinapa Junction down to Watt roundabout.
The only areas with a reasonable number of his (Jedy Agba) posters was as at press time, Mayne Avenue by Dan Archibong street and Ekpo Abasi street (two).
It will be recalled that they have been cries of witch-hunting of ‘non-family members’ contesting for the number one position in the state and fears that the outgoing governor’s attitude and body language suggests imposition even though he has repeatedly denied it in different fora.
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