Governor Nyesom Wike’s order for demolition of two hotels in Rivers State, after violating his COVID-19 lockdown rules has generated mixed feelings in the state and across different divided in the country.
The demolition affected Prodest Hotel, Eleme, and and Etemeteh Hotel, Onne, as both were pulled down on Sunday, on the orders of the Rivers State government, on Sunday.
The governor was seen Sunday afternoon, personally supervising the demolition of the hotel in Eleme while other government officials represented him as the hotel at Onne was being demolished.
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Wike, had issued and Executive Order effecting the lockdown of Rivers State, and directed all hotels in the state to suspend services immediately as parts of measures to check the spread of COVID-19.
The governor had, in his Executive Order, warned residents that failure to comply with the order would attract stiff penalties, which include demolition of such hotel that violates the rule.
However, Nigerians have take to Twitter to pass missed reactions:
People who defended invasion of judges homes, unconstitutional removal of a CJN & all other tyrannical acts are now calling Wike a tyrant. 🤣
— Comrade Deji Adeyanju (@adeyanjudeji) May 11, 2020
I'm not a fan of the PDP. They still have a lot of useless politicians in their ranks. But when I look at the future of both major parties, PDP scares me less. See how their youths dragged Wike for his madness? The yoots on the other side always falling in line like zombies.
— No one (Pilot by Affidavit) (@ilynem) May 11, 2020
A culture of rewarding brutality and violence will keep producing more Wike's
When Wike instructed his Task Force to demolish hotels, he wasn't joking.
Destruction as a form of punishment did not start today
Nobody gets punished for being a tyrant in Nigeria.
We re-elect them
— William Ukpe (@William_Ukpe) May 11, 2020
– Rivers lawmaker describes why Gov. Wike was right in demolishing the hotels that violate the lockdown order in Rivers state. pic.twitter.com/lOwKZNekOQ
— Postsubman (@Postsubman) May 11, 2020
Rivers: Wike a colossal embarrassment to Body of Benchers – Falana https://t.co/UgcHBebFME pic.twitter.com/Z3qe4m7ynG
— Daily Post Nigeria (@DailyPostNGR) May 11, 2020
Who is this and who else is hoping Wike doesn't take this threat literally? pic.twitter.com/aFaHkQMaRw
— Daddy D.O🇳🇬 (@DOlusegun) May 11, 2020
PMB should not loose sleep over the executive rascality in River State, if the people of River State cannot rise up and end it, that is their headache. Governor Neyson Wike is a needless distraction, the people of River State should enjoy the monster they nurtured and fed.
— Major General Eminently Qualified (@ihe69) May 11, 2020
Rivers State:
Poverty rate: 58.6%
Unemployment rate: 36.4%
IGR(2018):112bn
IGR(Q3 2019): 107bn
Debt Profile(2018): 226bnThough oil rich, Rivers is poor & Gov Wike demolishing a medium sized hotel at this time when SMEs need support in such a draconian way is counterproductive.
— Ayò Bánkólé (@AyoBankole) May 11, 2020
Let us not loose sleep over the executive madness in Rivers. Wike is their governor and PDP is their party. It's family affair. Let them enjoy their democracy.
— Covenant Buhari (@CovenantBuhari) May 11, 2020
Some of the usual suspects are managing to find extremely creative ways to drag Buhari for Wike’s actions. Amazing. You’re all doing well 😀
— tolu ogunlesi (@toluogunlesi) May 11, 2020
A tale of two governors.
In Sanwo-Olu's Lagos, two hotels violated lockdown rules. They were shut down.
In Wike's Rivers, two hotels did the same. They were demolished.
One Governor is a democrat, the other a despot — vile-tempered and ill-suited for executive power.
— 'Fisayo Soyombo (@fisayosoyombo) May 10, 2020
MY TAKE ON THE DEMOLITION OF TWO HOTELS IN RIVERS STATE
On May 4, Governor Nyesom Wike gave an executive order that every hotel in Rivers State should suspend operation, as a way of curbing the spread of COVID-19. A stern warning was issued against any hotelier planning to
— Hon. Kelechi Nwogu (@honkelechinwogu) May 10, 2020
Wike is demolishing hotels and you're applauding him, lol.
But when pple say Nigerians deserve their leaders, you get angry.Just remember that tyranny has no boundaries within the law.
The dictator you embolden today will oppress tomorrow.
E sure die.— Adunni Achebe (@_Adadioramma) May 10, 2020
An Executive Order is 'executive' not judicial. An order cannot exceed executive powers. And, under the Constitution, the executive can only arrest/detain. It is the judiciary that fines, jails, or seizes property.
Wike is a psychopath. And if you support him, you are mad too.
— Ayo Sogunro – #Transformist (@ayosogunro) May 11, 2020
“General Wike…..
Demolishing buildings. Impounding cars. Arresting citizens. Confiscating properties. Frightening Traditional rulers. Terrifying Aides. Concealing State budget. Scaring citizens”.
And shamelessly being defended by same people who criticize Buhari here.
— Henry Shield (@henryshield) May 11, 2020
They've finally linked Wike's madness to Buhari. I have been waiting😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/URydYjkS2p
— TallJohn🌍 (@JohnFanimokun) May 10, 2020
The last time Buhari had any kind of meeting with all state Govs was June 2019.
We are in the 3rd month of a deadly global pandemic that’s currently confirmed in 34 states.
Wike is not the only one that will “misbehave” in coming weeks.
There’s no leadership.— Somto Onuchukwu (@chosensomto) May 10, 2020
I believe it was @AbdulMahmud01 who said that even under Military rule prisoners were allowed visitors (in contrast to our current dispensation).
Time and time again Wike refers to the lowest possible human instincts and reveals a form that brings democracy into disrepute https://t.co/fbEHm8lRgB
— Dr Aloy Chife (@ChifeDr) May 10, 2020