Ban On Gala: FINA Lodge Condemns Demolition By Gombe Gov’t

BY NAJIB SANI, GOMBE 

The management of an hotel known as ‘FINA Lodge’, in Gombe State capital has condemned its demolition by a taskforce on the closure of ‘Gala Houses and Joints’ set up by Gombe State government.

Recall that few months ago, the government has banned ‘gala’ (Night dancing performance by girls) and night clubs in the state to tackle immortality and juvenile delinquency and formed a special taskforce to enforce the ban.

The taskforce embarked on demolishing of gala houses, joints, brothels and unlicensed hotels in the past couple of months.

However, one of the affected hotels known as FINA Lodge has decried that their destruction was done in error claiming they have the requisite license to operate.

In a press release signed by Nuhu Philip Maiguwa and Gankino Philip Maiguwa 

on behalf of the management, the hotel lamented that the exercise was reckless.

They insisted that FINA Lodge is a registered business name having the requisite permits and governmental approvals to operate and function in the hospitality business and has been paying all its taxes to the government.

Aside that, they claimed that FINA Lodge submits daily reports to the CID, Immigration, and DSS, while ensuring prompt payment of revenue to the Revenue Board.

“FINA Lodge is neither a Gala Hall, dance house nor brothel but a reputable Guest House, managed and operated by a team of proficient and law-abiding hospitality staff, who are cognisant of the regulatory ordinances and its modus operandi thereof, always ensure that FINA Lodge was managed following all regulatory laws”.

Buttressing their points further, they said the management prohibited the sale of any alcohol, beer, denatured spirits, injurious spirits, or intoxicating liquor and it has no bar or restaurant in the lodge decrying why the taskforce demolished it.