Concerns arise as Governor Uzodimma’s administration seeks to rent all Owerri Hotels for November 11 election

In preparation for the upcoming gubernatorial election in Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration has reportedly requested that all hotel owners and managers in Owerri metropolis make their rooms available exclusively to the government during a specific period.

A memo issued by Barr. Jerry Egbule Egemba, Commissioner for the State Ministry of Tourism, indicated that the government plans to rent and occupy all hotel rooms in the state, regardless of their size or classification, from Saturday, November 4, to Saturday, November 11, 2023. This move has raised concerns among election observers and other political parties who fear it might hinder transparency in the electoral process.

The commissioner instructed hotel owners to provide details of their accommodation bills for all rooms covering the specified period for settlement. While the government’s intent behind this action remains unclear, it has sparked suspicions and criticism from various political parties and civil society organizations.

Olu Omotayo, the president of the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), voiced his disapproval of the government’s decision. He emphasized that such actions restrict the freedom of hotel owners to conduct their businesses as they see fit, which is not in line with democratic principles. Omotayo expressed concerns about the impact on election observers who may struggle to secure accommodations, potentially affecting the transparency of the upcoming election.

He also suggested that hotel owners could seek legal recourse if they believe their rights to operate their lawful businesses are being infringed upon. The move to take over all hotels in the region raises questions about the government’s intentions in relation to the electoral process, especially regarding transparency and free participation.