Decision to demolish hotels was taken by State Security Council – Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has said the decision to demolish Prodest Hotel and Etemeteh Hotel in Eleme was taken by the State Security Council.

The governor made this known on Tuesday when the Executive of the Nigeria Hotel Association, Rivers State Chapter paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

Wike said the demolition of the two hotels became necessary because the owners failed to comply with the Executive Order of the state government.

“It’s not possible that the State Government will intentionally close down hotels. But what I see is that people play politics with everything.

“The demolition of Prodest Hotel and Etemeteh Hotel in Eleme Local Government Area by the State Government became necessary because the owners failed to comply with Executive Order 7,” he said.

Wike noted that all the decisions that have been taken in the state during the lockdown are not a unilateral decision, adding that they are for the overall good and interest of the Rivers people.

“I don’t take decisions alone in the fight against COVID-19. All decisions are taken by the State Security Council and they are for the overall interest of Rivers people.

“You know people applaud government decisions when it suits them but when it does not favour them they say it is politically motivated.

“Rivers State Government does not have anything against hoteliers in the state, but decided to shut down their activities because some cases of Covid-19 were recorded in hotels,” he stated.

He also blamed the hoteliers for failing to assist the government in providing relevant information regarding those that tested positive for the coronavirus in their hotels.