DESTRUCTION AND DISPUTE: INNOSON VEHICLE MANUFACTURING FACES DEMOLITION

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In a shocking turn of events, the Anambra State Government has partially demolished the head office of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) in Nnewi, leaving the company reeling in surprise and outrage.

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A DEMOLITION WITHOUT WARNING

The demolition, which took place on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, caught IVM staff off guard, with some employees trapped inside the building. Over 20 vehicles were also trapped, adding to the chaos. The company’s Head of Corperate
Communications, Mr. Cornel Osigwe, expressed dismay, questioning the sudden action without prior notification.

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QUESTIONS OF FAIRNESS

Osigwe pointed out that nearby buildings marked for demolition were spared, fueling speculation about possible ulterior motives behind the targeting of IVM’s head office. “There were other buildings that were close to the head office and marked for demolition that were not demolished,” he noted, wondering if personal vendettas were at play.

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GOVERNMENT’S JUSTIFICATION

However, the Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoma, defended the demolition, citing a road construction project aimed at easing traffic congestion during festival periods. Okoma insisted that affected buildings, including IVM’s, were marked in advance and that owners were informed.

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A CLASH OF PERSPECTIVES

The incident has sparked a heated debate, with IVM questioning the government’s motives and the government justifying its actions as necessary for infrastructure development. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the demolition has left IVM and its supporters wondering about the future of business-government relations in Anambra State.