The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has warned politicians against sticking their campaign posters on flyovers and public buildings. He urged them to stop or face serious consequences.
This warning came shortly after Adamawa State Magistrate Court No. 2 fined the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Suleiman Umar, ₦3 million for putting up his campaign posters on public buildings on Thursday.
At a press conference on Thursday night, the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, said the government's stance is not new or biased.
He explained that the law against damaging public property has always been there and applies to everyone, no matter their political party or status.
"For some time, the government has been worried about the reckless sticking of campaign posters and political materials on flyovers, bridges, public buildings, streetlights, road medians and other public properties.
"These structures were built with public money to make life better for our people. They are not places for political campaigns or individuals to advertise themselves.
"Those who thought the government would ignore this have now faced the law's verdict.
"In a significant case, a political candidate who broke this rule was taken to court, found guilty, and ordered to pay a fine of ₦3 million. This judgment has cleared up any debate. It shows that the law can be enforced and that the government is ready to protect public property," the CPS said.
According to Wonosikou, what the government is doing is about responsibility, not politics.
"No responsible government can spend billions to beautify cities, build modern flyovers, improve roads, and restore public property, only to let those same places turn into spaces for random poster campaigns.
"Urban renewal is not just about building roads and bridges. It is also about discipline, civic duty, and respect for public property," Wonosikou said.
He added that every poster put up illegally on government properties reduces the investment of the people of Adamawa State.
"The law will be enforced fairly. Members of the ruling party and the opposition will face the same consequences under the law."
He emphasized that no one would get special treatment due to their political ties or position.
"Political participation is a right granted by the constitution. But damaging public property is not.
"We urge all political actors to use legal and responsible ways to engage the public. Approved billboards, flex banners, designated ad spaces, newspapers, radio, TV, digital media, town hall meetings, and other proper platforms are available for campaigns," he said.
PUNCH Online noticed that when our reporter toured Yola, the state capital, posters of candidates from the ruling All Progressives Congress were still widely displayed on flyovers and other public buildings.
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