From Chuks Moses, Awka
The Labour Party (LP) in Anambra State has raised alarm over the mass dismantling of the billboards of its Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi all over the state.
Describing the action as “punitive, condemnable and unacceptable”, the LP chairman in Anambra, Chief Ugochukwu Emeh, on Sunday afternoon noted that the act was alien to the state’s polity, and should be discouraged.
“The good people of Anambra state had greeted the emergence of Prof Chukwuma Soludo with great expectations. The citizens enthusiastically anticipated that the light that would transform and illuminate the state has come at last. But unfortunately it’s now obvious that it was a sad and misplaced expectation,” he said.
He reminded Soludo that there was nothing really wrong with nursing an ambition, but it must be guided by decorum, diligence and no ambitious person should cut his nose to spite his face.
And with this shameful act of ordering the pulling down of our (LP) presidential campaign billboards across the state, and replacing them with APGA messages, the governor has shot himself in the foot. The smear even extended and soiled all APGA candidates.
His action depicts arrogance of power, and shows his disdain for the feelings and aspirations of any other person, even his party members.
Emeh appealed to the citizens and members of LP and Obidient Movement in the state to remain very peaceful, focused and law abiding.
He expressed dismay that Soludo lacked the ingredients of democrat and plurality of opinions, hence his series of unguarded and unwarranted attacks on Peter Obi, LP and the Obedient Movement.
He reiterated that with the gale of endorsements for Obi and his running mate, Dr. Ahmed Datti, no attacks of their billboards will slow down the Obidient political movement that is sweeping the nation’s political landscape.
Emeh called on men and women of good conscience to call the governor to order before the antagonistic disposition becomes a culture.
Contacted for his reaction, the Managing Director of Anambra State Signage Agency, responsible for outdoor adverts/signage issues, Mr Tony Ujubuonu,
he explained that the party was unable to meet the conditions of the state government, and the billboards were removed, and payments returned to the party.
While tendering pictures of the dismantled billboards and evidence of duly paid charges, the LP revealed that their billboards were replaced with those of the governor’s party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).