Hotelier demand N1bn from Rivers over hotel demolition during COVID-19

Owner of Prodest Hotel, demolished by the administration of the immediate past governor of Rivers State during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Mr. Gogorobari Promise Needam, has dragged the Rivers State government to court over the demolition of his hotel.

The hotel, located in Eleme Local Government Area of the state was demolished on the orders of the former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.

Needam dragged the Rivers State government to court over its failure to compensate him, for the alleged unlawful, malicious and extra judicious demolition of his hotel.

The suit mark PHC/224/CS/2022, filed at Rivers State High Court has as defendants the governor of Rivers State and the state Attorney-General as defendants.

The plaintiff in the suit, which commenced by way of Originating Summons, sought a declaration of the court that the unwarranted/unjustifiable destruction/demolition of the claimant’s property (Prodest Home Services) at Alode Eleme, in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State by the defendants (Rivers State government) on the 9th day of May, 2020, at the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is unwarranted, malicious, wrongful, illegal, unlawful, null and void.

He also sought for an order of the court mandating and/or compelling the defendants to immediately pay the claimant the sum of One Billion, One Hundred Million, Twenty-Nine Thousand, Four Hundred and Ninety-One naira (N1,001,029,491.00) only, being special damages for the unwarranted, willful, malicious, unjustifiable, wrongful and unlawful destruction/demolition of the claimant’s property (Prodest Home Services) on the 9th day of May 2020.

He also wanted the court to make an order compelling the defendants to pay the claimant the sum of Five Hundred Million Naira (N500,000,000.00), being general damages for the unwarranted, malicious, unjustifiable, wrongful and unlawful destruction of the claimant’s property (Prodest Home Services) on the 9th day of May 2020, thereby causing him and his entire family financial loss, untold hardship, emotional pains, anguish and distress; and another sum of One Hundred Million Naira (N100,000,000.00) only being professional fees for the prosecution of this suit.

This writ was issued by B. S. Aziaka Esq of Osima Grimah & Co, Ibinabo Chambers.

When the matter was called for hearing on Wednesday, Hon. Justice CN Wali proceeded with cross-examination of the first witness, Dr Bariledum Azoro, the manager of the hotel, who was arrested and detained by the then government, who gave his witness account.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to the 28th of November, 2024, for further hearing and cross-examination.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Aziaka said that he is optimistic of judgment because the demolition of the Prodest Hotel is illegal and done in bad faith.

He also stated that if they had responded to their request for settlement, they wouldn’t be here in court, because they wanted peace at all costs, but the then government of Chief Wike and the incumbent government gave deaf ears to their plea and request, so they are left with the option of going to court for justice.

He appealed to Ogoni youths not to protest against the demolition of the hotel, rather they should exercise restraint and allow the law to take its course because judgement will definitely be given to them.