By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Few days after what was popularly described as a controversial and “shrine-like” Christmas decoration appeared at the Eke Awka Market Roundabout (a commercial nerve centre and largest market in the capital city of Anambra State), and days after it was hurriedly dismantled following an intense media buzz; the State’s Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has finally broken the silence on the side of the government.
Recall that the viral decoration, which featured coloured ribbons and rudimentary fittings, had last week triggered a storm of reactions across social media and public spaces, with many residents and netizens openly ridiculing it and juxtaposing its appearance with what they described as the “glittering and elaborate” Christmas decorations currently on display in other states such as Lagos, Abia, Delta and Enugu.
Although the disputed decoration was hurriedly and silently dismantled by the state government shortly after the social media backlash erupted, the absence of any (better) replacement at the location only appeared to deepen public dissatisfaction, as criticisms continued to trail the government’s handling of the matter.
This lingering public pressure and criticism eventually resulted in ending the lingering silence of the government, by eliciting an official response from the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Mefor, who finally issued a statement on behalf of the government on Monday, December 22, in an apparent attempt to clear the air and clarify the circumstances surrounding the now-infamous decoration.
Commissioner Mefor, in his 10-paragraph press statement, also dissociated the Soludo Administration from the controversial decoration.
According to him, the installation of the “substandard and uninspiring decoration” that has sparked “unwarranted criticisms” was not undertaken or sponsored by the Anambra State Government, but rather initiated by a private individual within the community, whom he said executed same without any involvement, approval, or endorsement from state authorities.
“We wish to categorically debunk these misleading narratives, dissociate the State Government from the controversial decoration, and set the record straight for the proper information of Ndi Anambra and the general public.
“Contrary to the false claims being propagated, the said decoration was not undertaken or sponsored by the Anambra State Government. It was the initiative of a private citizen in their community, executed without any involvement, approval, or endorsement from state authorities,” he stated.
Commissioner Mefor said when the government became aware of the installation and the dissatisfaction it generated, it promptly directed its removal to maintain the aesthetic standards and dignity of public spaces, while also maintaining that such unauthorised interventions will not be tolerated in the state again moving forward.
While the Commissioner’s clarification sought to douse public criticism, it also implicitly confirmed that the decoration was installed and remained for such period of time at such a sensitive location at the heart of the state capital without prior government’s notice, scrutiny, and authorization.
Dr. Mefor further used the opportunity to restate the Soludo Administration’s philosophy of fiscal prudence, noting that the government had “intentionally adopted a strategic and cost-effective approach in public spending,” particularly during the festive season.
He explained that rather than invest heavily in decorative displays, the administration chose to focus resources and taxpayers’ money on key locations and on the broader ‘Ọnwa Dezemba’ package of events, which will run from December 18, 2025 to January 4, 2026, featuring youth party, Christmas carol, children funfest, cultural festivals, music concert, novelty football match, family-oriented entertainment, among other exciting entertainment activities that will foster social engagements.
According to him, these and others are indications of the Soludo’s administration’s commitment to prudence and people-oriented celebrations.
“Governor Soludo’s administration continues to place the people at the heart of its policies, channeling resources into significant projects that yield lasting benefits.
“We urge the public to disregard sensationalised misinformation over non-issues and channel their attention positively to celebrating the true spirit of the season through purposeful festivities,” Commissioner Mefor concluded.
