Ihedioha denies having anything to do with the demolition of Akachi Tower in Owerri

GOVERNOR Emeka Ihedioha has denied being the one responsible for the demolition of the Akachi Tower monument in Owerri in response to the widespread criticism of the structure that was erected by his predecessor Rochas Okorocha.

During his eight years in office, Governor Okorocha erected numerous structure and statues across Imo State but as soon as he left office on Wednesday, the bulldozers moved in to demolish Akachi Tower. This action has been widely condemned as vandalism given that the structure was erected with public funds and its demolition is seen as nothing but political vendetta.

Akachi Tower was built on a reclaimed dumpsite that was abandoned by previous administrations and was inaugurated barely a week ago by vice president Professor Yemi Osinbajo. Its demolition was supervised by soldiers who barred journalists from covering the exercise and there are now fears that the new governor will also demolish other monuments in Owerri, especially the statues.

However, Governor Ihedioha has denied ordering the demolition, saying he was not aware of the demolition and never gave such directive. According to the governor, he was in Government House trying to settle down in his office when the demolition was taking place.

During its inauguration, Governor Okorocha had described Akachi Tower, measuring over 40 feet, as a symbol of the hand of God over Imo State. He had also stated that the monument that can be climbed by going round it, would serve as a major tourist attraction.