Investor Condemns Invasion of Hotel Presidential, Enugu

The core investor in the rehabilitation and operation of the ailing Hotel Presidential, Enugu, Mr. Chuma Anosike has condemned the invasion of the hotel premises by some security personnel on the orders of the Enugu state government.

Describing it as an unfortunate development, Anosike said, “On Monday October 30th 2017, a group of armed soldiers, policemen and Civil Defence Corps/Legionnaires forced their way into the Hotel Presidential, Enugu manhandled our Security Personnel and attempted to take over the Property.

Since they presented no Letter authorising them to take that action or a valid Court Order our Security Personnel naturally resisted but had to back down when their lives were threatened.”

Anosike said in his statement that “the Invaders claimed to have been instructed to “take over the Hotel” by Mrs. Rita Mbah, the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism who later came to the site in company of some other persons we learnt were “Prospective Investors.”

“When I contacted Mrs. Mbah to confirm if indeed this narrative was correct, she said she was discharging a “Government Directive”. I advised her about the obvious illegality of her action but she proceeded regardless.

“Our lawyers are considering our options and have instructions to take all steps necessary to protect our legal interest.”

He said “Primeview Hotels Ltd is the Concessionaire of the Hotel Presidential. By virtue of the Joint Venture Agreement date 17th September 2013 between Hotel Presidential Limited, E Hospitality Services Ltd and Primeview Hotels Ltd and the Deed of Assignment dated 6th February 2014 between Hotel Presidential Ltd and Primeview Hotels Ltd respectively legal title in the Property is vested in Primeview Hotels Ltd (PHL) for 35 years commencing from 1st of October 2013.

PHL has been in uninterrupted possession of the Property since August 2013 and has carried out extensive work both on-site and offsite with a view to redeveloping and transforming the hotel to a world class Hospitality facility.

“Unfortunately, we have experienced a number of setbacks the latest of which is a pending law suit by an entity which claimed to have had a previous interest in the Property.