Innocent Chukwuma, the Chairman of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company, has come to the defense of Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who recently purchased 20 Toyota-branded vans for security agencies in the state. Chukwuma praised Otti for being a strong supporter of the Innoson brand and clarified that Otti’s decision to opt for Toyota vehicles was due to an urgent need for security pick-up vans that Innoson couldn’t supply at the time due to stock shortages.
Chukwuma emphasized that Otti’s choice of another brand for this particular purchase should not be met with criticism. He also announced Innoson’s plans to establish a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) plant in Abia and negotiate for a servicing and vehicle repairing center in the state.
Governor Otti, in response, reaffirmed his support for Innoson and revealed that his administration had already purchased over 40 Innoson vehicles. He highlighted the potential job creation and economic growth that partnerships with Innoson could bring to Abia State.
The controversy had arisen as opposition members criticized Governor Otti’s decision to purchase Toyota vehicles for security agencies instead of Innoson vehicles, given his previous support for Nigerian brands. The response from Chukwuma and Otti underscores the complex factors and considerations involved in procurement decisions, especially in the political and economic context.
