Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has refrained from using the newly constructed multi-billion naira Government House in Umuahia, the state capital, since he assumed office approximately six months ago, as discovered by PREMIUM TIMES.
Instead, he conducts government affairs from his personal residence outside of Umuahia.
After winning the governorship election on March 18 and being sworn in on May 29, Governor Otti, a member of the Labour Party, chose not to occupy the new Government House, which was commissioned by the previous governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, just before the end of his tenure. The project, initiated by Ikpeazu’s predecessor, Theodore Orji, was inherited and built up to the roofing stage.
The abandoned two-storey mansion in Ogurute Layout, Umuahia, boasts tarred roads, a large swimming pool, and a distinct white façade. However, it remains unutilized, with minimal signs of human activity.
Governor Otti also refrains from using the old Government House in Umuahia, preferring to govern from his private residence in Umuru Umuehi.
Although the spokesperson for Governor Otti, Kazie Uko, cited alleged looting of office equipment from the old Government House as a reason for not relocating there, former Commissioner for Information John Kalu refuted the claim, stating that properties were moved to the new Government House before the past administration’s exit.
Governor Otti defended his decision to operate from his private residence, citing the dilapidated condition of the old Government House and asserting that retrofitting it would be an unnecessary expense. He emphasized that his current priorities include road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements, and support for small businesses.
Contrary to claims of incomplete upper floors and dangling wires by the spokesperson, video clips and photographs obtained by PREMIUM TIMES revealed the furnished interior of the new Government House.
However, Governor Otti’s choice to govern from his private residence imposes a financial burden on the state, with officials regularly traveling to Umuru for meetings, incurring fuel expenses of approximately N440,000 weekly.
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