By David Onwuchekwa
The Executive Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, has debunked viral social media claims alleging that he demolished market stalls at Agboedo Market, Nkwo Nnewi, and demanded N3.1 million from traders for new shops.
Speaking to journalists in his office in the presence of market leaders on Friday, Hon. Anazodo expressed shock over a trending video showing a woman leading a supposed protest against him. He said he neither knew the woman nor authorized any demolition or financial demand from traders.
“I never discussed any payment or collected a dime from any trader,” Anazodo stated. “The allegations are false and a deliberate attempt by the opposition to mislead the public and weaken the support Nnewi people have for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). That plan will fail.”
He urged journalists to visit the market for verification, revealing that the woman behind the claims was not even a trader at Nkwo Nnewi.
“This is not the first time such propaganda has been spread in that market,” he said. “When we came in, the market was like a slum—unaccessible and disorganized. The state government and council have since worked hard to revamp it.”
Anazodo cited several projects in the market, including the construction of Adili Road with a spur to the Building Materials Road, an almost completed inner access road, public toilet facilities, a hall, and modern stalls for low-income traders—all provided free of charge.
“How can I build stalls and allow traders to use them free, only to turn around and demand N3.1 million from them? That’s illogical and baseless,” he emphasized.
He added that investigations revealed the protest was politically motivated, orchestrated by opposition elements in Nnewi.
Despite what he described as distractions, the Mayor reaffirmed his commitment to Governor Charles Soludo’s development agenda and vowed that Nnewi North would deliver 100 percent support for the governor’s re-election on November 8.
