The Abia State Government has declared the newly constructed Government House at Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, as structurally incomplete and unsuitable for habitation. The facility, commissioned hurriedly by the immediate past administration of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, will now be repurposed into a five-star hotel, according to the current administration.
State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who led journalists on an inspection tour of the building, said the decision to reassign the structure was due to its poor design, lack of essential fittings, and overall unsuitability as a Governor's residence.
“This place was never designed for habitation. There are no wardrobes, no proper partitioning—just empty halls. It is simply not a residential facility,” he said. “It was hurriedly put together and commissioned days before Ikpeazu left office. Labourers were still fixing the gate during the commissioning.”
Kanu dismissed claims by former officials, including ex-Commissioner John Okiyi Kalu, that Governor Alex Otti had abandoned the project, describing such statements as deliberate misinformation aimed at misleading the public.
“Most of the rooms remain unfinished, some parts of the building are not plastered, and the elevator hasn’t been installed. It is dangerous and unfit for use. If anyone missteps on certain floors, they could fall to their death,” Kanu added.
He accused the past administration of using the project to deceive the public, knowing fully that Ikpeazu never intended to live in the building. “They used state funds to erect this white elephant, knowing it serves no real purpose,” he stated.
On the location of the building, the commissioner raised concerns over its proximity to private residences, which he said poses a major security threat to any sitting governor.
To address the housing needs of the state’s leadership, Governor Otti has ordered the construction of a new Government House on the site of the previous one. Kanu also debunked claims that the old Government House was a rented facility.
“That property was lawfully acquired by an earlier administration. What the Ikpeazu-led government did was to pay themselves rent from public funds, while claiming the state was leasing the property,” he revealed.
Kanu confirmed that the building at Ogurube Layout will now be remodeled into a luxury hotel to serve the capital city. He assured that Governor Otti remains committed to fiscal discipline and will not allow state resources to go to waste.
“The Governor is focused on development that delivers real value to Abians. We will not tolerate waste or deception. Abians should ignore the noise from the opposition and continue their support for the government’s transformation agenda,” Kanu concluded.
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