Rivers State government says it will build primary schools at sites of the demolished hotels in Eleme.
Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, the state’s commissioner for information stated during a briefing of newsmen on Wednesday.
Critics railed against Governor Nyesom Wike for trampling on the Constitution by demolishing the hotels.
But Nsirim said that the fight against coronavirus in the State has been premised on the Rule of Law.
“It was Governor Nyesom Wike who first signed an Executive Order that led to Border Closure and other actions. This was done on March 19, 2020. After initial criticisms, other States followed suit.
” Therefore, the fight against coronavirus in Rivers State is in the interest of Rivers people and the entire Country. This is because Rivers State is vital to the survival of the nation as the headquarters of the hydrocarbon industry.
” There is no wisdom placing finance ahead of human lives.
He, however, said that essential services continue to thrive even in the midst of the fight against coronavirus.
Commenting further on the demolition of the two hotels which have generated intense criticism in the state and beyond, Nsirim said the issue has been hijacked by the opposition.
“One issue that has been hijacked by opposition elements is the demolition of two hotels in Eleme, after they deliberately flouted Executive Order.
” These two hotels, Prodest Hotel, Alode, Eleme and Etemeteh Hotel, Onne not only flouted the Executive Order, the Hotel Manager of Prodest invited the wanted PDP Eleme Youth Leader, Princewill Osaroejiji, who came with thugs to unleash mayhem on Task Force operatives on ground to close down the facility.
“As we speak, one of the Task Force operative lost his life last night.
” Governor Wike and the Rivers State Security Council took the decision to demolish the hotel in the interest of Rivers State and her people. Days before that demolition, everyone was aware that the State Government sensitized the people on the consequence of flouting Executive Order 6.
“Having demolished that hotel, Governor Wike has approved that a primary school be constructed at that location to serve Rivers people. This is what a responsive government will do” he added.
