.Says state government weaponising governance
The George Moghalu Campaign Organisation, GMCO has described as “yet another draconian and anti-people directive” the Anambra State Government environmental beautification policy which mandates landlords to repaint their buildings.
This is contained in a press release signed and made available to AljazirahNigeria by GMCO Director of Media and Publicity, Dr. Ikenna Agu, yesterday.
The release said thevgovernment’s recent directive affects building owners in Onitsha, Awka, Nkpor, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia.
Owners are to compulsorily repaint their buildingsvby July 1st, 2025, or face sanctions, according to the state government.
In this vein, GMCO stated that the directive 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 weaponising 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,” the GMCO stated.
