Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has criticised the growing trend of state governors abandoning projects started by their predecessors, describing it as a major source of waste and inefficiency in governance.
Jonathan made the remarks on Wednesday while commissioning the Best Western Plus Hotel in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
He expressed regret that many of the projects he initiated during his time as Bayelsa governor were left unfinished by successive administrations.
“As the first elected deputy governor of Bayelsa State, our administration under Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha started hosting the African Movie Awards, which attracted participants from America, South Africa and other countries,” Jonathan recalled.
He explained that during the event’s early years, many guests had to stay in Port Harcourt because Bayelsa lacked quality hotels.
“The idea of promoting tourism is for visitors to spend their money within the state to grow the local economy,” he said.
“But when the state spends on events that bring people from around the world and they end up spending their money elsewhere, that becomes a negative investment.”
Jonathan said his administration had awarded contracts for a five-star Tower Hotel and two three-star hotels to boost tourism and hospitality in the state.
He added that completing such projects would have transformed Yenagoa into a major destination for investors and visitors.