U-Report: Campaign For Democracy Condemns Onitsha Hotel Demolition

Report By Campaign For Democracy South-East Region Publicity Unit

The campaign for Democracy (CD) has condemned the action of Anambra State government over its hurried demolition of a Hotel located at 8 Old Market Road, Onitsha without conclusive investigation.

It would be recalled that the Hotel was demolished by the orders of Gov. Peter Obi last Friday, following the alleged discovery of two fresh human heads, 2 AK47 rifles, 3 loaded cartridges and a military cap last Thursday.

This was contained in a statement issued by CD in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The statement was signed by Dede Uzor A. Uzor, Chairman, CD South-East region.

``Gov. Peter Obi acted arbitrarily. The governor ought to have at least allowed the Nigeria Police to conclude investigation before demolishing the hotel. The hotel owner who is helping the Police in the investigation should have been given fair hearing”. The statement said.

``What if tomorrow, investigation establish that the hotel owner; Chief Bonaventure Mokwe is innocent of any wrong doing in the matter? What if tomorrow, persons who may have planted the evidences come out to confess?’’ the statement reiterated.

The statement called on the government to stay action on the remaining property of the alleged culprit, pending the conclusion of investigation.

``A reference point is the case of Arthur Garden Hotel, Umusiome in Nkpor near Onitsha; where Chief Arthure Uboh, the owner of the hotel was alleged to have harboured suspected kidnappers. Arthur Garden Hotel was sealed off pending investigation. at the end, it was established that Chief Arthure Uboh was not culpable and the hotel was re-opened for business,’’ the statement concluded.

CD however re-instates support for the demolition of any building, harbouring criminals, if there is established evidence.