A high court in Lokoja has dismissed a legal case brought by Dino Melaye, a candidate from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State. He contested the charges imposed by the Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency on political parties during the November 11 governorship election.
The agency required political parties to pay N50 million before they could put up billboards and posters for the election. Additionally, parties were asked to pay N2 million for each billboard they displayed.
Melaye had requested the court to declare these charges illegal through an exparte motion dated September 12. He also sought to have the agency declared unconstitutional.
However, on Monday, Justice Ruth Alfa, the presiding judge, dismissed the motion, stating it lacked merit. She didn’t delve into the details of the case due to the motion’s flaws.
Meanwhile, Osaseyi Richard, the General Manager of the Agency, has announced immediate action to remove unauthorized outdoor advertisements in the state. He encouraged the public to visit the agency to make the necessary payments for their outdoor advertisements.
Osaseyi also expressed gratitude to the law-abiding and peaceful citizens of Kogi and pledged to continue the agency’s mission of improving outdoor advertising in the state.