Anambra Govt Lifts Suspension on Wintess Hotel
The government of Anambra has lifted suspension on the operations of Wintess Hotel Annex, Awka, after one month.
Mr Don Onyenji, Commissioner for Tourism and Entertainment in Anambra confirmed this to journalists in Awka.
Recall that Wintess Hotel Annex was suspended by Anambra government following a viral sex video which purportedly emanated from a party held in the facility.
Onyenji said investigation into the matter revealed that the hotel was deceived by those who organised the event who did not specify the nature of the programme they booked the facility for.
The Commissioner said those behind the ugly incident had been arrested and were being prosecuted according to the law.
According to him, an agent of the main organiser has been arrested and is currently being prosecuted according to the law while the principal is still on the run” he said.
“The case of Wintess was quite unfortunate, Anambra is a decent state and the government will not allow such to happen again.
“The facility was suspended and the case investigated, it was proven that some people hired the facility for a particular activity but ended up using it for something else that should serve as an eye opener to those in the Anambra hospitality and tourism industry.
“The hotel has been given a clean bill of health to operate after a thorough investigation, reassessment and passing all the regulatory standards for getting an operating license.
“After due consideration of the report of the Inspectors and following your
high level of compliance, the Ministry is hereby lifting the ban temporarily on Wintess Garden Hotel Ifite, Awka.
“You are urged to be of good conduct, non- violation of the ethics of hotel practices as contained in the Hotel and Hospitality Law 2016 for all hotel and hospitality facilities in Anambra and to guide your staff accordingly,” he said.
Onyenji said the regulatory framework for the tourism and hospitality industry had been strengthened and would be diligently enforced to ensure there was sanity in the sector while encouraging growth at the same time.
He urged hotels to endeavour to get full disclosure with clients to ensure that nobody or group made them run foul of the law with their activities.
When contracted, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra confirmed that a suspect had been arrested in relation to the sex video and was being investigated.