The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State is alarmed at the style of harming businesses as an act of regulation.
Reports of attacks on business owners and destruction of properties at the popular Building Materials Market at the Kala area of Obio/Akpor LGA by men of the Taskforce set up by the Rivers State Government, and, the sealing up of three business premises (Priscy’s Lounge, Preray Hotel & Mega Tools Ltd.) within the Port Harcourt City LGA, and subsequent arrest of customers whose only crime was patronizing these businesses by agents of the Rivers State Government, is to say the least barbaric.
May we draw the attention of the State Government and its agents to the provisions of Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which allows for freedom to live and move freely in Rivers State. Not even the President is empowered under our constitution to seal up people’s legitimate businesses for whatever reasons.
Even if a business premises is reasonably suspected to be one that is used for illegitimate purposes, only a Court of law can pronounce the Company or individual guilty. Nobody under the principle of fair hearing can one be a judge in his own matter (nemo judex in causa sua).
We regrettably recall the illegal demolition of Prudent Hotel, Alode and Etemeteh Hotel, Onne in Eleme LGA in 2020 for allegedly flouting COVID-19 lockdown directives.
The outgoing Governor of Rivers State is a senior lawyer and life bencher, he should therefore guide his agents to respect the law.
The APC in Rivers State however wish to assure the business community, local and foreign investors, that an APC administration in Rivers State shall encourage entrepreneurship, and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
We urge the business community and investors in Rivers State not to be discouraged but rather pray and wait for a business friendly regime from our Gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Tonye Cole mni., who understands the body language of businesses locally and internationally.
Darlington Nwauju
Ag. State Publicity Secretary, APC
19th August 2022
