N2.5bn Debt: We Maintain Our Statement Against Imo Govt

Nigerian indigenous automobile company, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, IVM, yesterday, maintained that the Imo State Government is yet to pay N2.5 billion debt for the purchase of various IVM vehicles including their parts from the company.

This is coming following a press statement issued by the Commissioner for information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba on behalf of the Imo State Government.

Emelumba in the statement alleged that the state government has serviced over 70 percent of the debt.

Reacting to the statement, IVM’s, Head, Corporate Communications and Affairs Cornel Osigwe, noted that the statement was written to water down the facts and substance stated in the company’s earlier statement.

He said: “We do not wish to join words with Imo State Government as we now have it on good authority that it has engaged its e-dogs to discredit our brand in the media space. The matter is now before the courts and we have always believed in the integrity of the judiciary to do the right thing when facts are stated.

In setting the records straight, the company responded with several points surrounding the transaction.

“On buying N5B worth of vehicles: In March 2020, Imo State Government under His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma on the assumption of office as the Governor of Imo State procured and paid for its first set of Innoson Vehicles it ordered from the company. The Governor assured Innoson that his government will always patronize Innoson Vehicles for its vehicular needs. The details of this transaction were not done in secret but were carried in the media.