Anambra Council Boss Refutes Market Demolition Rumour, Reaffirms Loyalty To Soludo

The Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Echezona Anazodo, has denied allegations of demolition and extortion levelled against his administration by a section of rice traders at Agba Edo Market, Nnewi.

The denial followed a video circulating online in which some market women alleged that their shops had been marked for demolition and that each trader was asked to pay ₦3.1 million for reallocation.

Reacting to the claims in an interview with newsmen, Anazodo dismissed the allegations as false, unfounded, and politically motivated.

He explained that his administration had no plans to demolish any structure in Agba Edo Market, nor had it imposed any levy or authorised anyone to collect money from traders on its behalf.

According to him, the local government was not aware of any plan to demolish shops in the market.

“This is not the first time such propaganda is coming from that market,” he said. “The same group once organised themselves to spread false information against the government. I was surprised when I saw the recent video because nothing of that sort happened. I have not even met the woman in question, so I wonder where all this is coming from.”

The chairman further explained that his administration had, in fact, provided modern shops for low-income traders in the market free of charge.

“We have built modern shops for low-income earners in that market. You can go and verify — those shops have been there for more than six months, and the occupants have not paid a dime. So, if I can build and allow people to use such shops free of charge, how could anyone claim that I now want to demolish their shops and demand ₦3.1 million?” he queried.

Anazodo accused opposition elements of sponsoring faceless individuals to spread falsehoods in a bid to discredit the present administration and score cheap political points.

“From our findings, this is a propaganda campaign orchestrated by opposition parties to make it appear as though Nnewi is not supporting the government. But I can assure everyone that Nnewi is fully aligned with the administration of our capable governor. From what Governor Soludo has achieved so far, there is hardly any need for campaigning, the people, including the traders, already know the truth,” he said.

He advised opposition politicians to desist from divisive politics, stressing that the people of Nnewi remain firmly in support of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the second-term bid of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

The council boss also highlighted various development projects his administration has executed in the market, including the construction of access roads, drainages, shops, and toilet facilities, all handed over to traders at no cost.

Anazodo challenged any trader who had been asked to pay money or who had been financially exploited by the local government to come forward with evidence or receipts.