The Anambra State gubernatorial candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. John Chuma Nwosu, faulted the N50 million campaign levy mandated by the Anambra State Signage Agency (ANSSA), describing it as punitive.
Chuma Nwosu, who has paid the levy, stated that the heavy levy is oppressive and aimed at stifling competition in the November 8 gubernatorial elections in the state. He lamented that a governor who is actively seeking reelection should not be making laws that apply to the same elections through an agency.
“Imagine how it sounds that a competitor in a race is setting the rules of engagement. The government wants to intimidate the rivals of Governor Charles Soludo. They claim that the levy covers the cost of keeping the environment clean after outdoor campaigns.
“So, if the intention was in the overall interest of the state or even for environmental protection, would not a responsible and forward-thinking administration send a bill to the state Assembly for a law to guide the process?
“Well, as a law-abiding citizen desirous of giving our people good governance, we have complied by paying in full the assessed mandatory fee for parties and candidates to display political campaign advertisements and materials in Anambra State,” Nwosu said
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He pointed out that the Governor has not paid the campaign levy, a clear failure of leadership by example. The ADC candidate urged Ndi Anambra to vote for his party, considering that he is an accomplished entrepreneur and manager of wealth who will manage the resources of the state efficiently.
The N50 Million Campaign levy mandated by ANSSA covers all outdoor campaigns and political rallies by prospective candidates. The levy covers Billboards, branded vehicles, posters, branded apparel, and outdoor political rallies.
Despite the criticisms, ANSSA is set to rake in over N800 million from the elections as a whole, marking it a healthy revenue-generating agency for the state.
