Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has denied claims that the recent demolition of a property belonging to indigenous auto manufacturer Innocent Chukwuma was politically or personally motivated. He described such allegations as “baseless” and an attempt to mislead the public for selfish political reasons.
Speaking amidst growing public criticism following the demolition of an Innoson Vehicle Motors (IVM) showroom along the Nnewi-Ozubulu-Onitsha federal highway, Soludo clarified that the structure, along with many others, was removed as part of a state-wide road expansion and urban renewal initiative.
“No one is above the law,” the governor said. “The demolition was not aimed at punishing any individual or business. It is part of a lawful process to reclaim federal right-of-way for road development. This is not about Innoson or any other big name.”
Soludo pointed out that several other properties — including buildings belonging to prominent figures such as the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, his widow Bianca Ojukwu, churches, and other private businesses — were also affected in previous and ongoing demolition efforts.
He said the goal is to make Anambra a more livable and prosperous state, and that achieving this vision requires enforcement of planning laws and order, not the creation of exceptions for powerful individuals or well-known businesses.
“Those spreading falsehood are either misinformed or pushing a political agenda. We are a government guided by law, and everyone must obey,” Soludo said.
The state government emphasized that the exercise followed due process and was in line with the Federal Highway Act of 1971, which grants a right-of-way of 45.72 meters from the center of any federal highway.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, the affected property was marked for demolition in November 2024. He said all concerned parties, including the President General of the Nnewi town union, were informed, and public announcements were made to ensure transparency.
“The demolition took place more than four months after notices were issued,” Dr. Mefor said. “This was not a surprise or an overnight operation.”
He criticized what he described as a “deliberate misinformation campaign” being peddled by “paid content creators” and political actors to discredit the efforts of the Soludo administration.
“Their narrative is false, untrue, and mischievous. This is a political machination designed to stir emotion and derail the progress being made in rebuilding Anambra,” Mefor added.
Responding to accusations of hypocrisy, the government reiterated its unwavering support for local businesses, especially Innoson Vehicle Motors — Nigeria’s pioneer indigenous automobile manufacturer.
Dr. Mefor pointed out that Governor Soludo is the only sitting governor in Nigeria using Innoson vehicles as his official fleet, despite known challenges associated with the vehicles.
“This decision was not made lightly,” he said. “It was a bold statement of confidence in Nigerian innovation. That commitment still stands.”
According to the Commissioner, Soludo’s patronage of IVM demonstrates genuine support for homegrown enterprises, a key part of the administration’s economic vision.
“This government is pro-business and pro-development. But laws must be followed, no matter who is involved,” he said.
The controversy surrounding the demolition has generated strong reactions online and offline, with many seeing it as a direct attack on Innoson Motors — one of Anambra’s most celebrated success stories. Some accused the government of sabotaging a local brand that provides jobs and contributes to the state’s economy.
However, Soludo and his administration have rejected such interpretations, stating that emotions should not override the facts of the matter.
“Development cannot be held hostage by emotions or manipulated by political interests. Everyone must play by the rules if we want Anambra to grow,” Soludo insisted.
He added that the focus is on the greater good — to ensure the safety, functionality, and future expansion of key infrastructure in the state, especially in fast-growing urban centres like Nnewi.
Anambra State, under Soludo’s leadership, has launched a series of urban renewal projects aimed at addressing long-standing issues such as traffic congestion, poor road networks, and disorganized city planning. These projects often require reclaiming illegally occupied lands and right-of-ways, which has inevitably led to tensions with property owners.
Still, the government maintains that it is working within the bounds of the law and has shown compassion in managing the process.
“We sympathize with all affected property owners,” the state government said in its official statement. “But we cannot be blackmailed into abandoning lawful development efforts that are in the public interest.”
The statement highlighted that a functional, modern Anambra State cannot be built without sacrifice and respect for planning laws.
Anambra remains one of Nigeria’s most industrially vibrant states, with cities like Nnewi playing a key role in national commerce and manufacturing. The state government has repeatedly emphasized its desire to create an environment that supports local business growth, innovation, and investor confidence.
Observers note that how the government manages tensions between development goals and private interests will shape public perception and influence future investment decisions.
As the controversy over the Innoson property demolition continues to make headlines, the state government says it will remain focused on its broader vision — a cleaner, safer, and more organized Anambra that respects both the rule of law and the dignity of its people.
The government has called on citizens to verify information and avoid spreading unconfirmed stories designed to create unnecessary tension.
“We are building a new Anambra — one where the law is supreme and development benefits all,” Soludo said.
