By Daniel Edu
In a surprising turn of events, both Imo and Kogi States are making headlines as their respective governments announce plans to reserve all hotel accommodations in the states. Following in the footsteps of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Kogi State government, in a memo dated October 31, revealed its intention to book all hotel rooms from Saturday, 4th to Sunday, 12th November 2023.
The memo, signed by Alhaji Oricha U. Shuaibu, Director-General of Government House Administration, instructed hotel managements to submit their bills for all rooms by 12 noon on 1 November for swift payment. The government intends to occupy rooms of all sizes and classifications at current rates, sparking suspicions among stakeholders and observers who believe these moves are linked to the upcoming governorship elections on November 11.
Similar concerns were raised in Imo State, where Commissioner Jerry Egbule Egemba of the Ministry of Tourism issued a directive for hotel owners and managers in Owerri metropolis. The memo outlined plans to exclusively rent all hotel rooms in the state from Saturday, November 4, to Saturday, November 11, 2023, shutting out election observers and political parties.
These developments have triggered skepticism among various political parties and civil society organizations, raising questions about potential attempts to influence the elections and limit the oversight of the electoral process.”
