Seven COVID-19 cases have been recorded at hotels – Wike defends demolishing two hotels in Rivers

The governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has defended his decision to demolish two hotels accused of violating the COVD-19 lockdown in some parts of the state. Wike had ordered and supervised the demolition of the Prudent Hotel in Eleme and Etemeteh Hotel in Onne for contravening the lockdown order over the weekend.

But many residents of the state were taken aback by the action which they considered extreme and high-handed. Many on social media debated the rationale behind levelling down the hotels, while some activists described the governor’s action as “insane and draconian.”

“This is no longer democracy but a dictatorship in Rivers State, the governor has become a despot, who acts on whims,” civil rights advocate and former Special Adviser to Governor Wike, Christian Inko-tariah said.

However, Wike defended his decision by insisting that the action was in line with the state Executive Order 6 which recommends the demolition of any hotel that operates during the lockdown.

“We said if any hotel operates, government will bring down that hotel. We are doing what we have told people that we are going to do,” he said.

“Nobody wants to obey any rules. We are saying just, for now, keep off, let us see how we can keep our people safe.”

He also revealed that the focus on hotels is due to the fact that seven persons were infected with COVID-19 after coming in contact with a man who reportedly died of COVID-19 complications at a hotel in Rumuomasi. And the state cannot allow such incident to reoccur.

“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 Rumuomasi. Due to that contact, we have had other seven cases,” he said.

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“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.”

Although the hotel which Wike said was responsible for spreading Coronavirus in the state was only sealed after its manager tested positive for COVID-19, the two hotels that were later demolished had no reported cases of the virus. But Wike insisted that their operation put the members of the public at risk.

“All we are doing is to protect our people. Some people may not like our strategies, but our objective is to achieve results,” he concluded.