Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed strong criticism of the successive governments in Bayelsa State for neglecting crucial projects he initiated during his tenure as governor. He identified this pattern as a significant contributor to resource wastage and a hindrance to the state’s sustainable progress.
Speaking at the launch of the Best Western Plus Hotel in Yenagoa on Wednesday, Jonathan reflected on his administration’s efforts to develop the hospitality and tourism sectors before he left office in 2007 to assume the vice presidency.
He disclosed that his government had undertaken multiple hotel development projects designed to attract investors and stimulate tourism within the Niger Delta region. Unfortunately, these projects were abandoned and allowed to deteriorate following his departure.
“When one governor’s term ends, the incoming administration often neglects to continue ongoing projects, resulting in significant financial losses,” Jonathan lamented.
He further elaborated that his administration made substantial investments in the hospitality industry to position Yenagoa as a suitable venue for international events, notably the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), which the state hosted during his leadership.
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“At the inaugural AMAA event, many foreign visitors had to stay in Port Harcourt because Bayelsa lacked adequate hotel accommodations,” he recalled. “To address this, we provided local hotel owners with loans ranging from N10 million to N15 million to upgrade their facilities. Sadly, after I left office, these loans were not repaid, and the initiative collapsed.”
Jonathan also mentioned that his administration had commissioned contracts for three significant hotel projects, including the Tower Hotel and two three-star establishments, all of which were left incomplete by subsequent administrations.
“Had these three hotels been finalized, visitors to Bayelsa would have enjoyed comfortable lodging options,” he noted. “Regrettably, even those I rallied to support these projects failed to deliver after my tenure. This reflects a broader governance issue where projects lose momentum with each new administration.”
He praised the Best Western Plus management for successfully establishing an internationally recognized hotel in Yenagoa, highlighting that this achievement aligns with his long-standing vision of transforming Bayelsa into a premier tourism destination.
“This development embodies the kind of progress I envisioned for Bayelsa years ago,” Jonathan affirmed. “I commend the team for bringing this vision to life and revitalizing the state’s hospitality sector.”
