Since the demolition in Eleme Rivers State by government of two hotels over the alleged flouting of lockdown directive, there have been divergent views on the issue.
The state government went ahead to declare wanted a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) youth leader, Princewill Osaroejiji who was said to have lodged at one of the hotels and also attacked members of the Rivers State Covid-19 Task Force.
But, the youth leader at the weekend spoke from his hideout, explaining that Governor Nyesom Wike was grossly misinformed.
Below are his words:
When I was called upon by the manager of the hotel (Prodest Hotel), and was told that there were some men that came there who demanded for money from him, I was surprised because that place was shut down.
I went there. When I got there, I saw people I had nominated into position. I saw the person I nominated, John Nkolowa Saka who is my personal CSO (chief security officer). I nominated him for the job of Rivers State Covid-19 Task Force. They were just four persons that came there.
They said I led thugs to the hotel. How will I lead thugs to beat up people I nominated? I said to them, this is not what governor asked you people to do. Why would you go and ask for money? Is the hotel in operation? Even if it is in operation, you have to stop it.
Because he (Finance Commissioner, Isaac Kamalu) wants to fight me, he has vowed not to forgive me. He is close to Governor Wike, that’s why he misinformed the governor. That’s why I want the governor to call all the chiefs and all the leaders of PDP in Eleme.
Nobody beat anybody. Most of the people that were lying down in the hospital (as injured task force members) …Governor brought food palliative to Eleme people on Sunday, (May 10, 2020) that’s the same day they demolished the hotel, those people (people lying down in the hospital) were the same people that shared the foodstuffs out to ward representatives; every ward went with their own.
On Monday they shared the food in the wards; these same people were sharing food and people where seeing them. Nkolowa Saka was the one that shared items in their own unit that Monday.
So, do you see? For them to go and just lie down in the hospital, bandaged themselves in the evening of Monday, that’s a wrong information.
If these persons were beaten up earlier, they could not have been the same persons there during the demolition of the hotel on Sunday, and that same Sunday they went to the Area Command where they shared food. On Monday they were sharing food in the community and people were seeing them. Let’s even assume they were beaten up and they were hospitalised, will people be seeing them?
I married 17 years ago, I have six children, I have never been handcuffed before. I have never been indicted somewhere, I have never been invited anywhere for criminal issues. How could I be part of…to lead thugs? I fight against cultism, criminality. So why will it be Covid-19 something that they will declare me wanted everywhere?
I want the governor to see me one-on-one with the whole leaders. Please this is my plea to you.
So many things have been happening in the party (PDP); they can suspend somebody and they can recall back the person when they find out the truth, when they found out the truth because he (the governor) was misinformed.
I am not worried about the suspension, but let the truth be said. I cannot leave APC to PDP and they give me an appointment now, turn round to suspend me from the party and expect me to go back to APC. I don’t do things like that. I will remain in PDP until the governor finds out the truth.
The owner of Prodest Hotel, I saw him last five years ago. If I see him now I cannot recognise him. He doesn’t even live here (in Rivers State), he lives in Lagos. Five years ago was when I saw him last, if not more than that. I am not the owner of Prodest!
Some persons had met me that I should make them local government chairmen, and I said I am not the one that will select who will be local government chairman. Such persons are involved in this thing, and I will tell them one by one. This thing was a frame up; framed, framed story!!”
