The community of Opu-Nembe in Bayelsa State's Nembe Local Government Area has fired back at Chief Darius Obiene-Dede, owner of Euphemie Hotel, over his attempts to involve the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, in the controversy surrounding the hotel's use by law enforcement agencies.
Niger Delta Connect, earlier reported about the owner of Euphemie Motel, a popular hotel in Opu-Nembe Bayelsa State, who vowed to take legal action against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over an alleged unpaid lodging debt of N625 million.
The debt accumulated after the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team occupied the hotel from August 12, 2023, without prior agreement or payment to the owner.
Meanwhile, The Community sectors represented by the Chairman, Deputy-Chiefs council, Chief Okolo Dede, Chairman, the elders council, Indoma Igbalbo, Chairman, special elders council, Igbogi Yemabise Amalagha, Chairman, CDC, Mr. Konbonimi Awori, Youth President, Mr. Toinpre Sambo, Young Ladies President, Mrs. Beatrice Awululu Numoyu and Chairman Opu- Nembe Council of Chiefs, Chief Yousuo Theo Iruo, said it is not true that the Police team invaded Opu- Nembe and forcefully took over the facility.
According to the community leaders, contrary to what Chief Obiene would want the world to believe, it was the community that requested the deployment of the SWAT team following the insecurity that has descended on Opu- Nembe which needed a neutral Police team to handle.
The group claimed that the community donated Euphemie Hotel to the Police Team, emphasizing that the IGP was not engaged. They stated that prior to the arrival of the Police Team, the Euphemie Hotel was in disrepair, with snakes and other reptiles seeking refuge.
They consequently argued that the Hotel's attempt to impose a debt of N625 million at N50,000 per night for 50 rooms for 13 months on the IGP is not only comical but also a sad exhibition of dishonesty, which is least expected of Chief Daruis Obiene.
They advised Chief Obiene that if he no longer wishes to allow the community to use his facilities, he should follow the proper protocol and write to the community, requesting alternate housing for the police team.
