The Advertising Practitioners Association in Port Harcourt (APAPHC) has strongly criticized the appointment of Mr. Aye Pepple, a non-practitioner, as the Managing Director of the River State Signage and Advertising Agency (RISAA). This move by the authorities directly contradicts the RISAA law of 2015, which was signed by Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.
In a statement issued by Dr. Dike Bekwele, the Chairman of the Association, APAPHC firmly rejects the appointment of a non-advertising practitioner to lead the Rivers State Signage and Advertisement Agency. Dr. Bekwele emphasized that this decision violates both the RISAA Law and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act 2022.
According to Dr. Bekwele, the appointment of a substantive MD for RISAA should adhere to legal procedures rather than being influenced by political patronage. He stressed that the appointed MD must be a certified advertising practitioner recognized by ARCON, and the agency’s leadership structure should comply with regulatory requirements.
The Association decried the appointment of non-practitioners, likening it to employing quacks to oversee advertising and marketing communication in Rivers State. APAPHC urged the state government to reconsider the appointment and instead select agency leaders from the pool of certified and registered advertising practitioners in Rivers State.
Dr. Bekwele emphasized the professional nature of advertising, likening it to professions like Medicine and Law, with established legislation, codes of conduct, and ethics. He asserted that APAPHC vehemently rejects the appointment and remains steadfast in advocating for qualified members to oversee agency affairs.
Additionally, Dr. Bekwele expressed concerns about the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development encroaching on RISSA’s role in the state, causing confusion among practitioners. As per the RISAA law, a substantive MD must have at least ten years of practice as a registered advertising practitioner.
