Ahead of the gubernatorial election slated for 11th of November, 2023, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has allegedly ordered the reservation of all hotel rooms in Owerri, the state capital, for a period of nine days.
According to a letter signed by the Commissioner for Tourism, Barr. Jerry Egbule Egemba, and addressed to all chief executive officers and general managers of hotels in Owerri metropolis, the Ministry of Tourism intends to rent and occupy all the rooms in every hotel, no matter the size or classification, from Saturday, November 4, 2023, to Saturday, November 12, 2023.
The letter, which was dated October 25, 2023, also requested the hotel managers submit to the ministry before noon on Thursday, October 26, 2023, details of their accommodation bills for all the rooms covering the period for settlement.
The letter did not state the reason for the unprecedented reservation of all hotel rooms in Owerri, but sources said it was part of the governor’s strategy to ensure his re-election in the forthcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for November 11, 2023.
The sources said the governor planned to use the hotel rooms to accommodate his loyalists, supporters, and security agents who would help him rig the election in his favour.
It was speculated that the governor wanted to prevent any potential observers, monitors, or journalists from accessing Owerri during the election period.
The reservation of all hotel rooms in Owerri has been condemned by many who have described it as an abuse of power, a waste of public funds, and a violation of democratic principles.