…Threatens Fine Against Violators
By Saeed Ahmad Bappah, Gombe
The Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority (GOSUPDA) has issued a stern warning to politicians across the state to desist from pasting political posters on public buildings and signposts.
The Executive Chairman of the authority, Alhaji Bappayo Samanja Mauɗo, delivered the warning during an interactive session with journalists following an inspection tour of the state metropolis, spanning from the “Welcome to Gombe” gate to the BCGA area.
Expressing concern over the trend, Mauɗo noted that “The practice has become increasingly rampant, affecting even the expensive street lights installed to beautify our state capital”.
He emphasized that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya initiated the installation of the lights to improve visibility and security, and such infrastructure should not be defaced.
According to the Chairman, signboards are intended to provide navigational guidance, while public buildings are government properties that must be kept free from political advertisements.
Mauɗo further explained that “GOSUPDA, in its capacity as a revenue-generating agency, is prepared to allocate official spaces for those interested in erecting billboards of various sizes, provided the required fees are paid”.
He clarified that a team of experts would supervise the placement of these advertisements to ensure proper guidance and to prevent the indiscriminate display of political posters.
The authority has labeled this announcement a formal warning notice, advising political actors to remove existing posters immediately.
Maudo stated that “If the agency is forced to remove the materials itself, the owners will not be granted access to retrieve them”.
He stressed that the order is binding on all political parties with no exception, noting that “No individual or organization is above the law”.
The chairman expressed optimism for total compliance with the regulations.