Demolition Of Innoson Head Office In Anambra Not Personalised – Commissioner
The Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoma, has clarified that the demolition of the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) Head Office on Nnewi-Owerri Road was part of a larger road construction project in the state. According to Okoma, all affected buildings were marked and the owners informed, with the demolition exercise not targeting specific individuals or entities.
Okoma made this disclosure in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while reacting to complaints by IVM over the demolition. He emphasized that the road construction project aims to decongest traffic gridlock experienced during festival periods. "These roads were designed to decongest traffic gridlock experienced during festival periods," he said.
The commissioner also highlighted the state government's support for Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, noting that Governor Charles Soludo uses made-in-Nigeria vehicles. "Soludo is the only governor nationwide that uses made-in-Nigeria vehicles. Chief Innoson is our man; anybody trying to create a wrong narrative about the demolition exercise does not mean well," Okoma added.
However, IVM has expressed displeasure over the partial demolition of its head office, describing the incident as a surprise. According to Mr. Cornel Osigwe, Head of Corporate Communications at Innoson Group, the company was not notified about the demolition, which affected the office perimeter fence, some offices, the staircase, and the company's showroom.
Osigwe claimed that the staff were working when the demolition vehicle arrived, and some staff members were trapped in the building. "Some of our staff were trapped in the building; it took the efforts of our other staff to rescue those that were trapped while over 20 vehicles were also trapped," he said.
The company questioned the sudden demolition, wondering if there was an ulterior motive behind it. "There were other buildings that were close to the head office and marked for demolition that were not demolished, but they came straight to our building and demolished it, making us wonder if there was another ulterior motive to it," Osigwe added.
When asked if the demolition could be as a result of a political witch-hunt, Osigwe said he did not think the state government would intentionally decide to demolish the company. "Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra has been a great supporter of Innoson Vehicle, and Innoson has been a great supporter of the state government," he noted.
The incident has sparked concerns about the demolition exercise, with many questioning the procedure and potential motives behind it. While the state government claims the demolition is part of a larger development project, IVM's experience raises questions about the need for clear communication and notification in such exercises.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the state government will respond to IVM's concerns and whether the company will receive compensation for the damages incurred during the demolition. One thing is certain, however: the incident has highlighted the importance of clear communication and due process in government projects.
In a broader context, the demolition of IVM's head office raises questions about the balance between development and individual rights. While development projects are essential for the growth and progress of a state, it is equally important to ensure that individual rights are protected and respected.
The Anambra State government's decision to demolish IVM's head office has sparked a debate about the need for a more nuanced approach to development, one that balances the needs of the state with the rights of individuals. As the state continues to develop and grow, it is essential that the government engages with stakeholders and ensures that individual rights are protected.
Ultimately, the demolition of IVM's head office serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with development projects. While the state government may have legitimate reasons for the demolition, the incident highlights the need for clear communication, due process, and respect for individual rights.
In conclusion, the demolition of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing's head office in Anambra State has raised important questions about development, individual rights, and the need for clear communication. As the state government continues to develop and grow, it is essential that it balances its needs with the rights of individuals and ensures that due process is followed in all its projects.
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