'This is wicked' - Nigerians react as Governor Wike demolishes hotels

The demolition of two hotels by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State for violating lockdown rules in the state remains a controversial subject on social media, as Nigerians continue to express their opinions on the matter.

On Sunday, 10 May 2020, Rivers State Government announced its decision to demolish Edemete Hotel and Prudent Hotel for flouting lockdown order in the state

This was announced in a statement by Paulinus Nsirim, the state commissioner for information and communications

But what many people thought was just a threat to enforce compliance turned out to be a very controversial decision by the governor as Wike and other officials of the Rivers State task force went ahead to demolish the hotels

The hotels were demolished barely six hours after the state government announced its decision to demolish the facilities.

Nigerians have, however, been reacting to the issues. Many condemned the governor, saying his action was undemocratic.

See some of their various reactions below:

After demolition of hotels due to violation of lock down guidelines, Gov. Wike & his executive members had a closed door meeting with Coronavirus to allow people to restock food stuff on Tues & Wed.

Coronavirus agreed to stay indoors during this period.

Such a considerate Virus

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) May 11, 2020

A tale of two governors.

In Sanwo-Olu's Lagos, two hotels violated lockdown rules. They were shut down.

In Wike's Rivers, two hotels did the same. They were demolished.

One Governor is a democrat, the other a despot — vile-tempered and ill-suited for executive power.

— 'Fisayo Soyombo (@fisayosoyombo) May 10, 2020

https://twitter.com/buchionyegbule/status/1259501877240238082?s=19

https://twitter.com/_Adadioramma/status/1259537443683995648?s=19

If you’re close to Wike, tell him he’s moving mad.

If you’re close to his wife, the judge, tell her that her husband is moving mad and illegally.

There no defence or justification for some of the things he’s doing, and I am being extremely diplomatic because he’s ‘one of us’.

— Ose Anenih, CPM (@ose_anenih) May 10, 2020

Governor Wike has taken this clowning for camera too far. There’s no justification for demolishing a hotel for violating lockdown order. That hotel owner in PHC needs strong legal representation to sue the state government, because he’s a legitimate case against the local tyrant. pic.twitter.com/XaTcwfly9Q

— Gimba Kakanda (@gimbakakanda) May 10, 2020

Let’s be fair, Gov Wike has been doing great since the beginning of the lockdown but demolishing a hotel because they violated the lockdown rule is way too harsh. Imagine putting someone out of business at this point.

— DREYLO (@RealDreylo) May 10, 2020

While I sympathize with those whose hotels and vehicles were demolished and confiscated by Gov Wike, I like to say that most Nigerians have been for years very lawless people. The lack of leadership over the years have fertilized our lawless behaviors and we assume it’s normal

— Jackson Ude (@jacksonpbn) May 10, 2020

https://twitter.com/_Adadioramma/status/1259551455679320064?s=19

Governor Wike must be called to order immediately or probably checked by a psychiatrist. How can you bring down people’s building because they disobeyed your executive orders that are not known by our laws?

— Olúy?mí Fásípè AICMC (@YemieFash) May 10, 2020

Nyesom Wike: Our governor @NyesomWlKE has gone mad again.https://t.co/3uEDJDypge via @thecableng

— Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, CGoF (@ChidiOdinkalu) May 10, 2020