Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has explained why Prodest (Prudent) Hotel in the Eleme Local Government Area of the state was demolished.
Recall that the State Governor declared a total lockdown on the two major cities in the state, Obio-Akpor and Port Harcourt City Local Government Areas, as well as interstate borders, markets, pubs, restaurants and hotels to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Explaining why he carried out the act, he said the Government had no choice but to apply the Executive order signed before the lockdown of Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt.
"I called all the Traditional Rulers and Council Chairmen and told them to ensure that no hotel operates in the State," Wike said.
He added that the demolition of the hotel was not a political endeavour as nobody was above the law.
"Whether you are PDP or not, all we are saying is that nobody is above the law. If we can do this to a PDP person, then you know we are not discriminatory.
"We are not saying it will be forever. This is for now, so that we know where we are. To reduce the cases and check the spread," Wike explained.
"Everyone must obey. Whether you are in PDP , SDP or no party, you must obey the law. If any other person does the same thing, the same rule will apply.
"We said no hotel should operate within this period. Unfortunately, the PDP Youth Leader in Eleme joined others to flout the Executive Order. Therefore, the executive order will be applied," Wike stated.
We are not saying it will be forever. This is for now, so that we know where we are. To reduce the cases and check the spread. #Lockdown pic.twitter.com/PRUj72Aw0U
— Gov N E Wike Information. (@GovWike) May 10, 2020
Going further, the State government promised to bring down any hotel that operates during this period. Wike noted that it was for their safety and wellbeing.
"Look at the rate of infections, most of these people are found in hotels. Look at the man that died, he was at Mingi Hotel in Rumumasi. Due to that contact, we have had other seven cases," he lamented.
"People should help us and support Government for Rivers people to be safe. Security Council will meet to review the strategies and achievements or setbacks, moving forward," the Governor pleaded.
Wike's next stop is Etemeteh Hotel in Onne.
Here are the comments MyNigeria.com gathered from Twitter:
Wike was showing necessary action and ensuring security agencies do their job well. He was conmended for that by many & rightly so. But going on to demolish an hotel is definitely way out of order. That sort of action is really condemnable. A fine should have been appropriate.
— Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) May 10, 2020
The decision to demolish hotels in Rivers state over violation of the COVID-19 lockdown order is extreme and illegal. Gov Wike, this isn't leadership. ???? pic.twitter.com/Cl8Y93zejK
— Theresa Tekenah (@TheresaTekenah) May 10, 2020
I repeat, Wike is not your Governor’s Mate.
— mr_robmichael pitied you and (@mr_robmichael) May 10, 2020
Wike has more balls than Buhari. pic.twitter.com/1Wso7tCCuv
Imagine Buhari giving executive order for Nyesom Wike's properties to be confiscated because he's being accused of corruption. You'll see him running to America & Australia calling for respect for rule of law. Just small Rivers state in his hands, he's acting like an old emperor.
— Ediong (@Ediong) May 10, 2020
Bruh Wike destroyed hotels for opening... Omo that’s real ganster????
— D????? (@drizzyposhh_) May 10, 2020
I hope the energy Governor Wike is using to enforce the lock down, he is also using it to increase testing and isolation centre capacity in Rivers state.
— Leo Dasilva (@SirLeoBDasilva) May 10, 2020
Fighting this virus is not about being performative but being readily effective.
Rivers State people are now afraid of three things:
— BelieveAll - PH (@BelieveAllCom) May 10, 2020
1. Gov. Wike
2. The Police
3. Corona Virus. pic.twitter.com/5W45iEckVV
The demolition of the hotel was unnecessary. Temporary closure would have been enough. Wike is over doing it. Those their property was demolished should seek legal redress.
— Comrade Deji Adeyanju (@adeyanjudeji) May 10, 2020
You don't cut off the throat of your child cos he disobeyed you. This is wickedness. Wike should have imposed a fine after sealing off the hotel! pic.twitter.com/AiI2kn84vO
— iyke d iyke (@iyke_nwabuko) May 10, 2020
