Again, Wike Justifies Hotel Demolition

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said criticisms against his government actions to curtail the spread of COVID-19 are sponsored by his political opponents.

This is as the state announced the death of one of the members of the COVID-19 Task Force attacked at Prodest Hotel in Eleme, one of the two hotels that were later demolished by the state government.

Speaking on Wednesday after inspecting on-going projects in the state capital, Wike said the criticisms were sponsored by failed governorship aspirants, who are determined to mislead the country.

According to him, "Those who want to be governor but don't have the opportunity can continue to pay people to write against the state. At the end of the day, history will vindicate us.

"Remember, it was Rivers State that started the closure of borders. At the time, they criticised and asked if I am the president. I am not a president and I have never claimed to be. I never purchased form to be a president, but I felt that protecting Rivers people is paramount. Now everybody is following suit. When you take action, not everyone will love it. At the end of the day, they will find out that it is in the best interest of the people."

The governor, who also arrested some persons who refused to wear face masks during his last Tuesday outing, said: "Nigeria is a difficult place; a very difficult country.  That is why when I see some social media lawyers and those who practice on the pages of newspaper criticizing, I am not surprised."

He restated that the state government is committed to the safety of the Rivers people no matter the criticism.

"All we are doing is to keep ourselves safe and keep our people protected. Those who are not wearing their masks, we have to arrest them because nobody is above the law.

"You will see people come up tomorrow to say you would have taken them to court first before you arrest them. 

"If you don't support the government to succeed in this fight against coronavirus,  everyone will suffer. As a governor, I can stay inside the Government House and not come out.

"But every day, I am virtually out, which is a risk for me. But I took oath to protect my people and I will always protect my people. If it turns around tomorrow, this is what I will face, I have no apologies," he said.