… Seeks Interlocutory Injunction Against N54M Signage Permit Fee
In the wake of repeated acts of vandalism against campaign billboards and advertising materials by agents of the Imo State government, led by Governor Hope Uzodimma, the African Action Congress (AAC) has taken a bold stance by challenging these alleged excesses through legal means. While many victims of these demolitions and restrictions opted for self-help or suffered in silence, the AAC has chosen to seek justice for the reported injustice.
This legal action follows the recent imposition of a staggering fifty-four million Naira fee on opposition political parties for signage and advertising. Distressed by the impact of these actions on their electoral prospects in the forthcoming November 11 Governorship election in Imo State, the AAC has filed a case in the Owerri Divisional High Court to address the perceived injustice and detrimental state policies.
In their motion on notice, the AAC is seeking an interlocutory injunction order to restrain the Imo State government and its agency, Imo State Signage and Advertising, from enforcing what they deem an exorbitant tariff designed to stifle opposition parties’ active participation in the upcoming Governorship election. This writ of summons, served on the defendants under suit no. HOW/948/2023, lists Emmanuel Ifeanyi Awulonu and Barr. Michael Obilor Korie as plaintiffs, citing Order 38 Rule 8 of the Imo State High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2017 and the inherent jurisdiction of the court as the legal basis for their action.
The plaintiffs also request the court to prohibit the respondents, including the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, C.O.C Akaolisa, from operating, demanding, or enforcing the N54 million permit fee for political advertisements and signage displays in Imo State and its environs until the final determination of the substantive suit.
Furthermore, the AAC is seeking a declaration that the N54 million fee is unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void, as it allegedly violates the provisions of Schedule 5.2.1 of the Imo State Signage and Advertisement Establishment Law No. 36 of 2019 and the articles of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights Act 2010.
In their affidavit of urgency, sworn by John Obasi with the consent of the plaintiffs, namely Emmanuel Ifeanyi Awulonu and Michael Korie, who are also the Governorship and Deputy Governorship Candidates of the Imo State chapter of the AAC, it is asserted that the party cannot initiate public campaigns due to the draconian schedule of rates, hindering their access to a fair and favorable political arena.
Before resorting to legal action, other political parties, whose campaign materials were impounded or destroyed, had opted to retreat in the face of speculation that they were colluding with the ruling APC government, represented by Governor Hope Uzodimma, in exchange for favors or compromises.
However, in keeping with his commitment to an election free from manipulation, irregularities, and violence, Emmanuel Ifeanyi Awulonu has turned to the courts as the last resort, demonstrating his readiness to sacrifice whatever it takes to liberate Ndimo from fear and unfriendly leadership that brooks no opposition
