SERAP Threatens Legal Action Against Gov. Wike Over Demolition of Hotels

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened to institute legal action against Rivers state Governor, Nyesom Wike. 

The Rivers state government on Sunday demolished two hotels in the state for allegedly flouting COVID-19 order in the state.

Mr Wike, who recently banned hotels in the states from operating to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus, had warned that any hotel caught violating the order would be demolished.

According to a statement issued by his media aide, Simeon Nwakaudu, the two hotels that were demolished are Prudent Hotel, Alode, Eleme, and Etemeteh Hotel, Onne. Mr Nwakaudu noted that Mr Wike personally monitored the demolition. 

The demolition is one of the controversial actions of Mr Wike in recent times. Recall that he ordered the arrest of two pilots weeks ago. 

However, the human rights group condemned the action of the Governor on Sunday evening. 

"Using COVID-19 to perpetrate human rights violations is executive rascality & Mr Wike must stop this now.We’re taking legal action to hold him & his govt. to account for illegal actions," the group threatened. 

SERAP further stated that the demolition is forced evictions and in violation of article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.