Owners Condemn Demolition Of Lodge In Gombe

Management of FINA Lodge in Gombe State capital has condemned the demolition of the property by the Task Force on the Closure of “Gala Houses and Joints” set up by Gombe State government.

A few months ago, the state government banned “gala” (night dancing/performance by girls) and night clubs in the state to tackle immorality and juvenile delinquency.

It formed a special taskforce to enforce the ban.

The task force has embarked on demolition of “gala” houses, joints, brothels and unlicenced hotels in the past couple of months.

However, the management of one of the affected hotels known as FINA Lodge has decried the action saying its hotel was demolished in error because it has the requisite licence to operate.

In a press release signed by Nuhu Philip Maiguwa and Gankino Philip Maiguwa on behalf of the management, they lamented that the exercise was reckless.

The management insisted that FINA Lodge is a registered business name having the requisite permits and government approvals to operate and function in the hospitality business and has been paying all its taxes to the government.

Aside that, they claimed that the lodge submits daily reports to the CID, Immigration and DSS while ensuring prompt payment of revenue to the state government.

“FINA Lodge is neither a Gala Hall, dance house or brothel but a reputable Guest House, managed and operated by a team of proficient and law-abiding hospitality staff, who are cognizant of the regulatory ordinances and its modus operandi thereof, always ensure that FINA Lodge was managed following all regulatory laws”.

Buttressing their points further, they said the management prohibited the sale of any alcohol, beer, denatured spirits, injurious spirits, or intoxicating liquor and it has no bar or restaurant in the lodge decrying why the taskforce demolished it.