Evangelist Mike Ikokwu, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholder in Imo State, has alleged that the partial demolition of his hotel premises was politically motivated. The incident occurred after parts of the All Seasons Hotel Premises, owned by Mike Ikokwu, were demolished by the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA).
Ikokwu alleged that his hotel was targeted due to his affiliation with the opposition party. He emphasized that other hotels in the area were not affected by the demolition, raising suspicions about the government’s intentions.
He expressed concern about the alleged harassment of his staff and property destruction during the operation, stating that such actions undermine the principles of democracy, including freedom of speech, expression, and association. He suggested that targeting and silencing opposition members create an atmosphere of fear and suppresses voices that provide checks and balances to the government’s authority.
In response, the Imo State government, through the Director General of Imo Geographic Information Service (IGIS), Mr. Chukwunyere Amaechi, stated that OCDA’s actions were carried out in accordance with a court order. He explained that the partial demolition was based on extant laws and neighborhood plans, and a judgement was passed in favor of IGIS. The agency communicated this decision to the management of All Seasons Hotel Limited prior to the demolition.
Amaechi warned other hotel owners and landlords within Owerri that fenced grills on government verges would be removed, along with generators and fuel dumps sited on government verges. He clarified that the state government was not to blame for the demolition, as the agency was fulfilling its responsibilities in line with the law.
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