‘He should have turned them to isolation centres’ — reactions to demolition of Rivers hotels

On Sunday, two hotels in Rivers state were pulled down on the orders of Nyesom Wike, the governor.

Wike, who supervised the demolition, said the action was taken because the operators of the hotel did flouted the lockdown directive.

As part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus in the state, Wike had ordered a total closure of hotels, schools, worship centres and other places were people gather.

He had warned residents that failure to comply with the lockdown directive would attract stiff penalties.

The governor said the demolition of the hotels would serve as a deterrent but the social media is divided over his action.

Below are some reactions from Twitter:

— Tomiwa Ojo (@10Qmedia) May 10, 2020

Wike was showing necessary action and ensuring security agencies do their job well. He was conmended for that by many & rightly so. But going on to demolish an hotel is definitely way out of order. That sort of action is really condemnable. A fine should have been appropriate.

— Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) May 10, 2020

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If you really think Wike is doing all these because he deeply cares for the people of Rivers State, you are joking. All I see a man who is power drunk.

— Babanla (@biolakazeem) May 10, 2020

Imagine Buhari giving executive order for Nyesom Wike’s properties to be confiscated because he’s being accused of corruption. You’ll see him running to America & Australia calling for respect for rule of law. Just small Rivers state in his hands, he’s acting like an old emperor.

— Ediong (@Ediong) May 10, 2020

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Sometimes eh we humans like to learn the hard way. There was a law put in place he even called all rulers and told them they should help implement the law. He also warned but am sure the owner was thinking that wike was just making empty treats. Wike showed them who is boss #Wike

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— Sean (@seandante_) May 10, 2020

I hope the energy Governor Wike is using to enforce the lock down, he is also using it to increase testing and isolation centre capacity in Rivers state.
Fighting this virus is not about being performative but being readily effective.

— Leo Dasilva (@SirLeoBDasilva) May 10, 2020

Welcome to Rivers State where 1 man ( Wike ) makes the law, interpretes it and enforces it beneath the cheers of an army of uninformed and unemployed youths.

This governor is a member of the body of benchers, a body that is supposed to regulate the legal profession in Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/zu7fTOoDJv

— Buhari’s Sister ?? (@DaminaboEric) May 10, 2020

The demolition of buildings and auncrioning of siezed properties was stated in the decree Wike drafted for the lockdown. Thing is we are so used to lawlessness in this country because awe know at the end of the day, we go scot free. Wike is saying a big NO to that.

— A r i z o n a ?? (@bernardArinze) May 10, 2020

You don’t cut off the throat of your child cos he disobeyed you. This is wickedness. Wike should have imposed a fine after sealing off the hotel! pic.twitter.com/AiI2kn84vO

— iyke d iyke (@iyke_nwabuko) May 10, 2020

Obedience is better than sacrifice.

Wike means well

— just_chixy (@chixydavid) May 10, 2020

I am not justifying this but Nigerians no de hear word. Wike deserves an award for being the most hardworking Governor in Nigeria. No other Governor would do what he is doing. He gave an instruction and the hotel’s management chose to violate it. Others will learn.

— Adannaya (@Adannaya15) May 10, 2020

Wike should have converted those hotels to Isolation centers instead of demolishing them, the demolition is too harsh and out of place.

— Buhari’s Sister ?? (@DaminaboEric) May 10, 2020

Nyesom Wike is at this point, in a huge competition with Corona Virus to see who can ruin the lives of the people of Rivers State faster.
This is not leadership. This is irrational brutality and dictatorship hiding under the cover of #COVID19 enforcement. pic.twitter.com/4DPoxJW0Fa

— Ndi Kato (@YarKafanchan) May 10, 2020

The decision to demolish hotels in Rivers state over violation of the COVID-19 lockdown order is extreme and illegal. Gov Wike, this isn’t leadership. ? pic.twitter.com/Cl8Y93zejK

— Theresa Tekenah (@TheresaTekenah) May 10, 2020

Even if you hate Wike, please stay at home. Don’t be found gallivanting abobi. That man no dey look face!

— Ikemba Zaza??? (@mazi_ikemba) May 10, 2020

To all those defending Gov. Wike’s actions of demolition and auctioning, can you quote the Lockdown Bill Act passed by the State House of Assembly? Desperate times calls for desperate measures – not barbaric measures.

— DADAkinbiyi (@dadakinbiyi) May 10, 2020