Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has dismissed claims that the recent demolition of a property belonging to industrialist Innocent Chukwuma was politically motivated, describing such allegations as baseless and uninformed.

Soludo, speaking in response to public backlash, reminded critics that properties belonging to the late APGA leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and his wife, Bianca, were also affected in past demolition exercises.

He emphasised that the ongoing demolitions as part of the state’s road expansion projects have impacted a wide range of structures, including churches and other private buildings, and were not aimed at any particular individual.

“Those spreading falsehood are either misinformed or pushing an agenda. No one is above the law, and this exercise is not targeted at any big man or woman,” Soludo said.

Following the demolition of Innoson’s showroom in Nnewi, some critics had accused the governor of deliberately targeting the indigenous auto manufacturer.

However, in a statement issued Wednesday in Awka, Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, reiterated the government’s support for local businesses.

Mefor highlighted that Governor Soludo had chosen Innoson Vehicle Motors (IVM) as his official fleet—a move that underscores his administration’s commitment to indigenous enterprises, despite known deficiencies and safety concerns associated with the vehicles.

He said the decision to patronize Innoson was a bold statement of confidence in local innovation, not a contradiction of support.

According to him, “The Soludo administration has continued to champion the cause of indigenous enterprises in words and action, exemplified in Governor Soludo’s decision to make Innoson Vehicle Motor (IVM) his official fleet.

“It is on record that he is the first and still the only state governor to do so till today despite major deficiencies and risks associated with the vehicles.”

That exercise was carried out due to encroachment on the federal government’s right-of-way along the Nnewi-Ozubulu-Onitsha federal highway.

The government claimed that the structure was marked for removal in November 2024, after a stakeholders’ consultative meeting and public announcements.

The government maintained that the demolition was carried out in accordance with the Federal Highway Act of 1971, which defines the right-of-way as 45.72 meters from the centre line of any federal highway.

“We sympathise with all affected businesses and properties along the statutory right-of-way, but a government that has acted within the confines of the law, empathy, and compassion cannot be blackmailed by any individual or group to derail the ongoing development of the state for selfish reasons.

“Making Anambra livable and prosperous requires a state governed by law and order for everyone and not one where exceptions are made for the powerful,” the government said.

“The demolition of the said Innoson building occurred more than four (4) months after notices had been issued to all concerned, including through the Nnewi town union President General.

“It is, therefore, pertinent to correct the deliberate misinformation peddled by paid content creators to discredit the good works of the state government.

“Their narrative is false, untrue, and at best, mischievous and a political machination of a few to score cheap, albeit selfish points.

“Those paid to spread falsehood, deliberately refused to also report that properties belonging to the first National leader of APGA, Dim Ojukwu, as well as his wife and current minister, Iyom Bianca Ojukwu, churches, and hundreds of others, were also demolished in the ongoing effort to rebuild Anambra.

“Governor Soludo is driven by empathy for the people and will continue to ensure that nothing short of the public good in overriding public interest is done for the sake of posterity.” The government said. (The Nation)