…As SERAP Threatens Court Action
Richard Ginika Izuora
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state on Sunday, May 10; gave explanations for the demolition of Prodest Hotel in Alode and Etemeteh Hotel in Onne; both in Eleme Local Government Area of the state.
Wike said the hotels were demolished after it violated an Executive Order on COVID-19, despite warnings from the State government.
He also explained that the focus on hotels was because one of the coronavirus cases in the state emanated from a hotel
Wike who monitored the demolition of Prodest Hotel, Alode, Eleme said his action was in line with the Rivers State Government Executive Order 6; which banned the operation of hotels across the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.
The governor told the media that the law must be obeyed, hence the State Government’s decision to enforce it.
According to him; “Government has no alternative but to apply the Executive order which I 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.
“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.
“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. Everyone must obey. Whether you are in the 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.
“We said if any hotel operates, the government will bring down that hotel. We are doing what we have told people that we are going to do.
“Nobody wants to obey any rules. We are saying just, for now, keep off, let us see how we can keep our people safe.
“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.
“People should help us and support the Government for Rivers people to be safe. The Security Council will meet to review the strategies and achievements or setbacks, moving forward.
“All we are doing is to protect our people. Some people may not like our strategies, but our objective is to achieve results.”
Wike reiterated his declaration that no hotel should operate anywhere in the state, adding that the Managing Director of the hotel at Onne has been arrested.
Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project,SERAP, a Not-for-Profit organization; has condemned the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike; for allegedly demolishing hotels and other businesses which he accused of flouting the lockdown orders in the state.
It disclosed plans to immediately commence legal proceedings against Wike for his actions.
SERAP accused the Rivers Governor of executive rascality; even as it noted that his actions is an illegality and a gross violation of human rights via its official handle on the micro-blogging site, Twitter on Sunday.
‘‘BREAKING: We condemn the reported demolition of Prodest Hotel by Gov Wike, Rivers State. Using COVID-19 to perpetrate human rights violations is executive rascality & Mr Wike must stop this now. We’re taking legal action to hold him & his govt. to account for illegal actions.
‘‘The demolition of Prodest Hotel is forced evictions and in violation of article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party. @UN_SPExperts @UNHumanRights @GovWike @NigeriaGov,’’ SERAP tweeted.
13 Comments
According to the clear facts stated by the executive governor of rivers, I think his actions are right. And anybody or organization condemning him or his actions are only viewing the whole thing in wrong perspectives…
Did the executive order in line with the constitution of Rivers State government which must be obey, if yes then why he not obey. The problem of Nigerian is law Inequalities. Be Wise
He is right but he should have issued a fine, which would have helped the government
I like people that are discipline… when they said something they do it accordingly…I respect your decision sir….. your government is genuine and your decision is right
I don’t think he had the rights to do that, the issue With Nigeria is that it is a lawless nation, the lawful and accept approach to this situation was to seize the license… And to shut down the hotel if he further insists with security around the vicinity round the clock. He spent money building that hotel and these are trying times. It is just pure abuse of power. Leadership requires wisdom ! Don’t do things because you feel you’re in the position to execute commands and it must be done without background voices ! Now when the lock down is lifted what do you expect him to do to earn money for his family ?
If he turns to crime you persecute him while you gave him no choice.
I respect governor Wike’s decision. We’re facing a serious pandemic and the government of Rivers state issued a warning to all hotels not to operate, because most of these clubs and hotels don’t follow the social distancing guidelines and besides, he is the head of his state, so he is doing the right thing of leadership by example. Why the complaints even by so-called learned Nigerians? We’re the same people that cry when these politicians are not being sincere and break the law. Carry on with your no-nonsense approach. Respect Sir!
Because they flaunted the restriction is not enough for a hotel to be brought low. The governor’s action is really irrational
Because they flaunted the restriction is not enough for a hotel to be brought low. The governor’s action is really irrational
Knowing what to do is intelligence, knowing when to do it is wisdom
Doing the right thing at the wrong time is wrong
Doing the wrong thing at the right time is wrong
Doing the wrong thing at the wrong time is right .
The governor was like a mother
No mater what a mum wont kill you
Highest will punish you to the last .
It is sad that things have degenerated to this level where we get subjective to things of the law. The question is was there an executive order? Was the executive order clear on the consequences of breaching it? Were the goals of the executive order clear and well understood? Then there should be no ambiguity. It is sad that the hotels had to be demolished but who would blame the governor when you put the cost of the hotels side by side the likely cost of lives considering the possible increase in infection and death. The cost of the hotels does not equate to the loss of 1 Rivers life. Other hotels still flaunting the Executive Order will take a queue.!!!
I am speechless because nobody obeys the laws of country. Even those at the sit of authority breaks the law more than a common man. Embezzlement and misappropriation is against the law but they are doing it day by day. Wike wo uld have shut down the hotel for now. Demolition is not right thing.. Personally I condemned the action intoto.
Was this law of demolition in agreement with the state, did the governor discuss this with the people the Chiefs in the state and what was their reply because I heard over the TV when he said that he called all the chief in the state for this and they agreed with him to demolition any hotel or bar etc operating in the state, that means the people agreed with him to do that. in as much I don’t have anything to say, Even you writing this agreed for the demolition of houses.
I think governor wike acted so cruel here,I mean how can he demolish another man’s sweat all in the name of law?without even considering if it’s the owners only source of income.its true We all know the man goes contrally to the law but wike would have punished him severely in other way round and not demolishing the buildings,,Try to be considerate next time His Excellence😠