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Insecurity: Don’t admit guests without ID cards – Govt admonish Hoteliers
Insecurity: Don’t admit guests without ID cards – Govt admonish Hoteliers
The Rivers Government has warned hoteliers within the state to begin documenting their guests as part of broader efforts to curb insecurity, particularly during the forthcoming Yuletide season.
Dr Israel Ngbuelo, the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, gave the warning during a meeting with hotel operators in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
He said that criminals sometimes use hotels as hideouts to commit crime and stressed the importance of stopping this practice to uphold the integrity of the hotels.
“Documenting hotel guests is crucial, as one cannot identify a criminal or serial killer until they commit a crime. So, we must exercise caution.
“Accordingly, all hotels in the state are required to document their guests, even if the customer uses the facility multiple times a week, particularly during this Yuletide season.
“Hotels are instructed to record their guests and capture their ID cards each time they check in,” he explained.
Ngbuelo highlighted the critical role the hospitality industry plays in the state’s economy and assured the public of the government’s commitment to maintaining the high standards of hotels in the state.
He cautioned against any sharp practices or a quick money-making mentality that might compromise the industry’s integrity.
“There are more hotels in Rivers state than there are other companies, making the hospitality sector one of the biggest industries in the state.
“Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers is taking concrete steps towards making Rivers the industrial hub of the country.
“The governor views the hospitality industry as one of the key and cardinal sectors driving the state’s economy, and as such, we are counting on the support of hotel owners,” he added.
The commissioner emphasised that the era of crises and insecurity in the state had ended and urged those spreading false rumours of insecurity to desist from undermining the state’s reputation.
He stated that the false narrative of insecurity was being used by the state’s detractors to paint Rivers in a negative light.
“If Rivers state is de-marketed, it will significantly impact the hospitality industry, as people will be afraid to visit or conduct business here.
“Therefore, we ask hotel owners to refute this false narrative and assure people that Rivers state is conducive for business. The era of crises is over,” he concluded.
Mr Eugene Nwauzi, the branch Chairman of the Nigeria Hotels Association in Rivers, appealed to the state government to implement policies that would enhance the hospitality sector.
He called for the registrations of hotels, enforcement of standard practices, steady electricity supply, and other measures to ensure that hospitality business thrives in the state. (NAN)
DES/EBI
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Man allegedly stabs Uber Driver, steals his car
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Man allegedly stabs Uber Driver, steals his car
The Police Command in Lagos State has detained a suspect accused of stabbing a uber driver and dispossessing him of his car.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Monday in Lagos.
Hundeyin said that the incident happened on Saturday at 7:34p.m., at Ile-Zik in the Agege area of the state.
“A uber driver reported at Isokoko Division that the suspect boarded his Toyota Camry at Nitel by Old Abeokuta Motor Road, Agege, to Marriott Hotel, GRA, Ikeja.
“On getting to Ile-Zik along the way, the suspect brought out a sharp knife, stabbed him all over his body and stole his vehicle, ” he said.
Hundeyin said that based on the report,
a team of policemen later trailed the vehicle to Oshodi where the suspect was intercepted.
“He was immediately apprhended and the vehicle was recovered from him to the station, ” he said.
The police spokesman said that the victim had been taken to the hospital for treatment.
Hundeyin said that investigation into the case was ongoing. (NAN)
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BREAKING; Killing: University closed down by School’s Management over students’ protest
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BREAKING; Killing University closed down by School’s Management over students’ protest
The Management of the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) in Katsina State has announced a one-week Mid-Semester break starting from Feb. 24.
The closure of the school followed a protest embarked on by the students on Sunday after they alleged that the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) had shot to death one of their colleagues.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students’ protest continued Monday morning.
Reports indicated that the JTF members on Sunday shot the student, alleging that he was an informant.
The FUDMA Vice Chancellor, Prof. Armaya’u Bichi, announced the decision of the Senate to close the school in a statement issued in Katsina on Monday.
Bichi further advised the students to leave campus before 6.00 p.m. on Feb. 24.
“The Management wishes the students a happy and peaceful mid-semester break,” he said. (NAN)
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Controversy as Ganduje, Senate Deputy President attend NNPP Senator’s family events in Kano
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Controversy as Ganduje, Senate Deputy President attend NNPP Senator’s family events in Kano
Prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), such as National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, recently attended a prominent opposition senator’s private ceremonies in Kano, sparking political controversy and speculation.
Prior to the 2023 elections, Senator Kawu Sumaila, who is currently the representative for Kano South in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), made news when he left the APC after a protracted leadership dispute inside the party.
His recent choice to invite APC members to his family gatherings has drawn criticism, with many speculating about the political ramifications.
On Friday, Jibrin, who led a delegation of federal lawmakers, confirmed their attendance at the wedding of Sumaila’s children, which took place in Sumaila town, Kano State on February 21.
The wedding united Dr. Khadija Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila with Faisal Abdulmanaf Sarina, and Maryam Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila with Bello Ibrahim Ma’aji, in a ceremony officiated by Professor Salisu Shehu, Imam of Sumaila Jumaat Mosque.
Jibrin’s statement also highlighted the attendance of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the APC National Chairman, who joined the festivities and offered blessings for the newlyweds.
“May Allah bless their union and give them patience, endurance, tolerance, and love. Congratulations to the newlyweds,” Jibrin added in his post.
The following day, both Jibrin and Ganduje were present at the first convocation of Al-Istiqama University, a private institution reportedly founded by Senator Sumaila in the Sumaila Local Government Area. This further fueled speculation about the growing relationship between the APC and the NNPP senator.
Within the NNPP, these moves have sparked unease, with many members expressing concern over Sumaila’s increasing openness to opposition figures. There are growing rumors that Sumaila may be contemplating a return to the APC, especially as he continues to distance himself from NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano.
The senator’s tensions with the state government have been well documented, especially over the controversial reinstatement of the deposed Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, and the repeal of the 2019 State Emirate Council Law, which had consolidated power in five emirates.
The involvement of APC heavyweights at Sumaila’s events, including former Kano governor Ibrahim Shekarau of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has left many questioning the senator’s allegiance.
With his history of disagreements with the state government, particularly over the dissolution of emirates created under Ganduje’s administration, there’s increasing speculation that Sumaila may once again align with the APC.
Should Sumaila make the move back to the APC, he would join a growing list of opposition lawmakers defecting to the ruling party, further shifting the political dynamics in Kano.
The NNPP, which currently holds the title of Nigeria’s fourth-largest party in terms of parliamentary representation, has been struggling to maintain its influence in Kano—the only state it governs.
While NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso managed to secure a victory only in Kano, a potential shift in allegiance by Sumaila could mark a significant blow to the party’s already fragile standing.
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