Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticised successive administrations in Bayelsa State for abandoning key development projects he initiated during his tenure as governor, describing the lack of continuity as a major setback for the state.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Best Western Plus Hotel in Yenagoa on Wednesday, Jonathan expressed disappointment that several hospitality projects started under his leadership were neglected after he left office to become Vice President in 2007.
“When a governor leaves office, the next governor doesn’t want to continue with ongoing projects. Most of the money spent ends up wasted,” he lamented.
Jonathan explained that his administration had invested heavily in the hospitality sector to position Yenagoa as a destination for tourism and major events, such as the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), which Bayelsa hosted at the time.
“During the first AMAA, international guests stayed in Port Harcourt because Bayelsa had no quality hotels,” he said. “We supported local hoteliers with loans ranging from N10 million to N15 million to upgrade their facilities. Unfortunately, after I left office, the initiative collapsed and the funds were not recovered.”
He further revealed that his government had awarded contracts for three major hotel projects, including the Tower Hotel and two three-star hotels, none of which were completed.
“If those hotels had been finished, visitors to Bayelsa would have decent accommodation today. Sadly, even those I mobilised didn’t follow through,” Jonathan added.
Despite his disappointment, he commended the developers of the newly launched Best Western Plus Hotel for actualising the vision he once had for Bayelsa’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri also spoke at the event, praising the hotel’s founder, Dr. Harcourt Adukeh, for his investment and commitment to the state’s economic growth. He described the project as a milestone that would boost job creation, encourage private investment, and strengthen the local hospitality sector.
Diri called on Bayelsans to emulate Adukeh’s example by investing in their home state to support sustainable development.
Also speaking, the hotel’s Executive Director, Mrs. Initeme Aduke-Eromhonsele, and Dr. Adukeh highlighted the hotel’s elegant design, comfort, and scenic location near the Oxbow Lake.
The new Best Western Plus Hotel, an affiliate of the global Best Western brand, is expected to play a significant role in transforming Yenagoa into a hub for tourism, business, and premium hospitality in the Niger Delta.
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