The Gombe State branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Sunday voiced its dismay regarding what they perceived as the Task Force on Gala Houses and Joints’ alleged lack of sensitivity in demolishing business establishments.
Since February 14, the task force has overseen the demolition of establishments such as Runko, Fina Lodge, and others, citing allegations of immoral activities.
In a statement, the association’s chairman, Benjamin Sati, criticized the task force’s actions as lacking sensitivity and carelessness.
Sati expressed his disapproval of the committee’s actions in a statement titled “Demolition Spree of February 14, 2024, by the Task Force on Gala Houses and Joints in Gombe: The NBA’s stance,” which was obtained by our correspondent.
The statement read, “The Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe Branch, observed with dismay the insensitivity displayed by Gombe State Government through its Task Force on Gala Houses and Joints in brazen and wanton destruction of certain hotels under the guise of demolition of Gala Houses.
“It’s common knowledge that demolition does not come without notice after confirmation of the law enabling the relevant authority to do so.
“It is with all sense of responsibility that I state without equivocation that what was witnessed on February 14, 2024 was, to say the least, carelessness of the highest order.
“Pulling down structures erected with hard-earned money and supervising lawless attitude of mob in stealing and or looting what was legitimately acquired and installed and or stored in the structures demolished without rebuke and or arrest of the perpetrators thereby making it glaring the insensitivity of the Task Force promoting criminality in the circumstances.”
Expressing concern over the impact of demolishing the lodges and guest houses on owners, particularly the workforce, Sati emphasized that the country operates under the rule of law, not lawlessness. He urged the state government to establish an inquiry to scrutinize the task force’s operations.
Sati added, “Nigeria is not in the state of anarchy or mercantilist era, we are protected by the rule of law not rule of force.
“We condemn in strong terms the pattern adopted by the task force and call on the government to inaugurate a committee to review the entire situation and adequately compensate the owners of the illegally demolished structures, as what was sort to be addressed were the vices, not the hard-earned wealth of the owners.”
Meanwhile, the task force chairman, Bitrus Bilal, in an earlier statement, observed that there are still reports of the activities of some unlawful establishments of gala houses and unlicenced night clubs within Gombe State where illegal and immoral activities take place and are used as sanctuaries for criminal elements.
He added, “It is in view of the several notices issued to the hoteliers and operators of these houses to stop from such activities that the task force carried out the demolitions in Evergreen Hotel, Dureja Hotel, and Sharp Corner Hotel, while partial demolition was carried out on Fina Lodge located at Anguwan Waja and Runko Hotel at Tunfure on 14th February 2024.
“The task force has observed that some miscreants have embarked on demolitions and lootings on some houses located in different areas of the Gombe metropolis.
“The general public should note that the task force did not authorise such act by these miscreants. It, therefore, issued a warning to all persons involved in such acts to desist from this unlawful behaviours or face the wrath of the law.”