Moghalu slams Soludo over compulsory building repainting directive, demands reversal

By Praise Chinecherem

Labour Party Governorship Candidate in Anambra state, Chief George Moghalu has condemned recent public notice directing residents of Awka, Nkpor, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia to compulsorily repaint their buildings by July 1, 2025 or face sanctions.

Moghalu, in a statement issued by George Moghalu Campaign Organisation (GMCO) and signed by Director of Media and Publicity, Dr. Ikenna Agu described the directive as draconian and anti-people.

He called for immediate suspension of directive and initiate a genuine dialogue with community leaders, residents, and stakeholders on how best to improve the state’s environmental outlook without weaponizing governance.

Moghalu warned that if not immediately reversed, the directive would be resisted by the people whose lives and livelihoods, he said were being disrupted by government that had failed to show compassion or competence.

The statement reads, “The attention of the George Moghalu Campaign Organisation (GMCO) has been drawn to yet another draconian and anti-people directive issued by the Anambra State Government under the guise of environmental beautification.

“The recent public notice directing residents across Onitsha, Awka, Nkpor, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia to compulsorily repaint their buildings by July 1st, 2025, or face sanctions, is nothing short of executive recklessness and administrative insensitivity.

“We find it utterly appalling that a government that has failed woefully in its core responsibilities—such as fixing roads, providing basic healthcare, empowering small businesses, and creating jobs—would rather resort to harassing its already overburdened citizens with unrealistic and anti-poor policies.

“This forced repainting order, coming at a time when Ndi Anambra are groaning under the weight of economic hardship, high inflation, unemployment, and poor infrastructure, is both tone-deaf and tyrannical.

“Instead of addressing the more pressing developmental issues ravaging the state, the Soludo-led administration is obsessed with cosmetic aesthetics at the expense of real governance.

“Governance is not about painting walls—it is about painting a better life for the people through sound policies, inclusive development, and responsive leadership.

“The law cited by the Commissioner for Environment is not a license for oppression. A responsible government should support citizens, not suffocate them with needless and financially burdensome demands.

“This attempt to force residents and business owners to repaint their properties or face regulatory action reeks of desperation and tyranny.

“It is especially wicked that the same administration that imposed a N50 million billboard levy on opposition candidates is now turning its wrath on ordinary citizens through environmental extortion.

“Let it be known that while George Moghalu Campaign Organization supports cleanliness, urban renewal, and environmental improvement, these objectives must be pursued with empathy, dialogue, and shared responsibility—not through threats, intimidation, or arbitrary enforcement.

“Where is the enabling support? Where are the grants or incentives to help property owners comply? What has the government done to repaint its own dilapidated public buildings across the state?

“This policy, if not immediately reversed, will be resisted by the people whose lives and livelihoods are being disrupted by a government that has failed to show compassion or competence.

“George Moghalu remains committed to building a people-focused administration—one that listens, engages, and lifts the burdens of the masses, not one that amplifies their sufferings with reckless policies.

“We call on the Anambra State Government to immediately suspend this inhumane directive and initiate a genuine dialogue with community leaders, residents, and stakeholders on how best to improve our environmental outlook without weaponizing governance.

“A better Anambra is not achieved by painting walls, but by painting hope in the hearts of the people. That is the leadership George Moghalu offers.”