Rivers state government has announced that the manager of a hotel recently demolished by Governor Nyesom Wike for violating the lockdown order, has tested positive for coronavirus.
In an announcement made on Sunday May 24, the state government said the Manager of Prodest Hotel, Bariledum Azoroh is among the 27 new cases of coronavirus recorded in the State.
The state’s commissioner for information, Paul Nsirim also recalled how some COVID-19 Taskforce members who went to enforce the Executive Order at the same hotel, were allegedly ‘brutalized and dehumanised, leading to the death of one of them.’
The statement reads;
Rivers State has recorded 27 new positive coronavirus cases. The Manager of Prodest Hotel, Eleme is among the new positive cases. This latest development validates the State Government’s proactive approach towards the fight against COVID-19. Recall that Prodest Hotel was demolished two weeks ago because the owners violated Executive Order 7 which banned the operation of hotels.
It would be recalled that the demolition of the hotel sparked online controversy, as many Nigerians described Governor Wike’s actions as ‘over the top and unnecessary.’ Others felt it was a necessary measure to enforce lockdown order in the state.
Meanwhile, the total lockdown of Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor local government areas in Rivers state, suspended for six days on April 20, would be restored on May 26.
According to Governor Wike, the lockdown was suspended to allow free human and vehicular movements and the opening of some businesses, such as banks, supermarkets, shopping malls and grocery shops, for a limited time.
