Information reaching Kossyderrickent has it that ECTDA led by Rt. Hon Uche Anya demolished Breath lounge in Enugu state.
Since Engr. Uche Anya’s appointment in August 2023, Breathe Lounge has faced an uphill battle to maintain its operations amidst ongoing disputes with the ECTDA. The lounge, which has invested over five hundred million naira and employs over 60 staff, was forced to close for more than 17 days, incurring a contravention fee of ₦250,000. Management claims to have obtained all necessary approvals and made all required payments, selecting Enugu for its conducive business environment. However, the actions taken by the ECTDA, including the use of alarms to disperse customers, have significantly disrupted business operations, leading to a direct appeal to Governor Mbah for intervention.
Mr. Okeke alleged further that the company had after the said first meeting with the ECDTA boss, whom he said, has been busy issuing press statement against their firm, posited that the state government through the SSG, had intervened in the said brouhaha last year as well as the Governor.
“After series of threats, Engr. Anya came and sealed this establishment and asked us to sign an affidavit that there would be no music before he would open it again. Our Establishment sealed for over 17days and we were asked to pay a contravention fee of ₦250,000 which we did for peace to reign.
“We lost over ₦8 million naira worth of consumables during that period, after unsealing the place, he still came and chased those who came to celebrate birthday in our office away because, they were singing birthday song. He served us paper the next day before shutting it down a day later.
“We began to use advocacy to halt this trouble, yet to no avail. We consulted the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Barr Ugochi Madueke, Mr. Okoh Onyekachi, (Okwuruora Ndi Igbo)and others that we know to intervene.
“Few days later, Prof Chidiebere Onyia called us for a meeting in his office where, we addressed the issue squarely. He advised us on what to do in order for peace to reign and promised to unseal the place. The meeting had its alterations which were all settled. The drawings were all examined both the architectural and electrical drawings. I was asked to go and make some amendments, which we have done but the man is bent on destroying our livelihood”.
In their quest for resolution, Breathe Lounge’s management has not only appealed to the Governor but also sought assistance through various channels, including the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and other notable figures within the state. The management emphasizes their contribution to the local economy and their compliance with tax obligations as reasons for deserving a fair resolution to their predicament. This situation underscores the broader challenges faced by businesses in navigating regulatory environments and the critical role of government intervention in ensuring the stability and growth of the local economy.