A Yola Chief Magistrate Court has penalized Omar Suleiman, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, requiring him to pay N3 million for placing campaign advertisements on state property. This ruling followed a lawsuit initiated by the Adamawa State Ministry of Environment, the Urban Planning Board, and the Attorney General.
The court determined that Suleiman breached a state executive order by attaching posters to public infrastructure, specifically the Unity Bridge in Jimeta. This act was found to contravene Section 30(1) of the 1997 Adamawa State Environmental Protection Agency Law. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri previously implemented this ban to protect public assets like flyovers from defacement.
During the proceedings, defense attorney Bala Sanga stated that the campaign team would adhere to the judgment while criticizing the state for utilizing administrative fines as a tool to pressure political rivals. Conversely, Senior State Counsel Salihu Muhammad expressed satisfaction with the court’s verdict. The Omrana Campaign Organisation, led by Mark Wosi, urged supporters to maintain order and emphasized their commitment to the rule of law.
