Former President Dr Goodluck Jonathan has recounted how some hoteliers in Bayelsa State failed to return public funds given to them as loans to upgrade their hotels, after he left office as governor in 2007.
He said when they were confronted, the hoteliers claimed the money was their ‘dividend of democracy.’
Jonathan explained that such attitudes contributed to the abandonment of several projects he initiated as governor, blaming successive administrations for failing to sustain development programmes.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Best Western Plus Hotel in Yenagoa, the former president said he had started a number of hotel projects to boost tourism and attract investment before becoming Vice President in 2007.
He expressed regret that the projects were abandoned after his exit, calling the trend a major waste in governance.
‘When a governor leaves office, the next governor doesn’t want to follow up, and most of the money spent goes to waste,’ Jonathan said.
He recalled that his administration had invested in the hospitality sector to make Yenagoa more attractive to visitors, especially during the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), which Bayelsa hosted at the time.
‘During the first AMAA event, most of the international guests stayed in Port Harcourt because Bayelsa had no suitable hotels,’ he said.
‘So we supported local hoteliers with loans of N10m to N15m to upgrade their facilities, but after I left office, nobody refunded the money, and the initiative died. When confronted, they said the money is their dividend of democracy.’
Jonathan added that his administration had also awarded contracts for three major hotels, including the Tower Hotel and two three-star facilities, which were never completed.
‘If they had done these three hotels, by now visitors coming to Bayelsa State would have had comfortable places to stay, but somehow when I left, even people I mobilised, we didn’t see what they have done.
‘That is the problem of government; when a governor leaves, the next governor doesn’t want to follow up, most of those money spent will go.’
He commended the management of Best Western Plus for bringing a reputable hospitality brand to the state, saying it reflected the vision he once had for Bayelsa’s tourism sector.
In his remarks, Governor Douye Diri praised the hotel’s founder, Dr Harcourt Adukeh, for his investment and commitment to Bayelsa’s economic growth.
Diri described the hotel as a milestone that would create jobs, boost the local economy, and attract more private investors. He also urged Bayelsans to invest in their home state to support sustainable development.
Mrs Initeme Adukeh-Eromhonsele, Executive Director of the hotel, said the facility was designed to combine elegance, comfort, and modern standards, overlooking the Oxbow Lake.
‘Today marks a proud moment for Bayelsa and for us at Best Western Plus at The Oxbow Lake, Yenagoa. This opening is a reflection of our vision to bring world-class hospitality to this city while celebrating the warmth and vibrancy that make Yenagoa special.’
The launch of Best Western Plus Hotel, affiliated with the global Best Western brand, marks a new phase in Yenagoa’s drive to become a hub for tourism and business in the Niger Delta.
Dr Harcourt Adukeh, Chairman of the hotel, expressed appreciation for government support, saying: ‘Having Governor Diri and former President Jonathan with us at this historic opening is truly an honour.
The Best Western International brand and a network of dedicated architects, engineers, and financiers who believed in the promise of Bayelsa State – together we have transformed our idea into a living symbol of progress and a place that will welcome visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.’