By Ikeugonna Eleke
The Anambra State Government has insisted on implementing the new Anambra Homeland Security Law which was passed two weeks ago.
Part of the law stipulates that hotel operators in the state must get full identification of all lodgers, make photo copies of same and submit to the presidents general of the community where the hotel is located, every morning.
An announcement signed by Prince Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser to Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, on Homeland Security, which has been circulating on social media, spelt out some of the provisions of the law, warning hotel operators to ensure strict compliance to avoid sanctions.
The announcement read: ‘All hotel owners must ensure that every guest lodging in their facility must submit a copy of any government means of identification like National Identity Card, International passports or Voters Card to the hotel.
‘The hotel must photocopy all these documents and submit to the President General of the community who in turn submits to the local government mayor and then to the State Government.
‘Any hotel or guest house who fails to submit these documents will forfeit their lodging facility to the government and will equally answer for such offence.’
Meanwhile, many have argued that with such a law, hospitality business in the state may suffer huge losses, as most fun seeking lodgers may be unwilling to disclose their identity.
A hotel owner who preferred to remain anonymous said that the new low would greatly affect their patronage.
‘Apart from travellers, every other people who come to lodge in hotels are people who may not wish to disclose their identity.
‘We are already crying that every weekend, hotels in neighbouring Asaba are booked full by Anambra People, now, they are bringing this law that will totally kill investments in the hospitality industry. This law is not good,’ she lamented.
