In the heart of Umuahia, the newly built Government House stood tall, a multi-billion naira structure, a symbol of power and governance. However, an air of abandonment surrounded it as Governor Alex Otti of Abia State chose not to occupy the grandeur since his assumption of office six months ago.
Premium Times investigative reporter delved into the peculiar situation. Governor Otti, elected on the platform of the Labour Party, was officially declared the winner on March 22, and he took the oath of office on May 29. His predecessor, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, had commissioned the new Government House just a day before the end of his term.
The opulent two-storey mansion, with its sparkling white façade, a sprawling swimming pool, and a network of tarred roads, stood silent and empty. The only visible sign of life was a lone police operative at the entrance gate. No human activity stirred within the complex, and the reporter noted that the building had not been put to use.
Interestingly, Governor Otti not only bypassed the new Government House but also neglected the old one in Umuahia. Instead, he chose to govern the state from his private residence in Umuru Umuehi, a village outside Umuahia. The journey from Umuahia to the governor's village took about an hour, revealing the challenges of the dilapidated roads.
Umuru Umuehi, despite its dilapidated access road, had become a hive of activity. The governor's presence had brought an influx of people and business opportunities. Residents reported a surge in activity on Mondays and Tuesdays when visitors with flashy SUVs flocked to the governor's residence, boosting local businesses.
The Premium Times investigation also raised concerns about the financial implications of the governor's chosen location. The state government incurred expenses for the regular commute of officials, including the 20 commissioners, to Umuru Umuehi for State Executive Council meetings. The cost of fuel alone amounted to approximately N440,000 weekly, nearly N2 million monthly.
Governor Otti defended his decision, citing the dilapidated state of the old Government House as the reason for not moving in. He argued that retrofitting the old building would require a substantial amount of public funds, and his administration prioritized pressing issues such as road construction, salary payments, and healthcare.
The spokesperson for the governor, Kazie Uko, added that the old Government House suffered from looting by officials of the previous administration, justifying the governor's preference for his private residence. The old Government House, when inspected, indeed showed signs of neglect and removal of office equipment.
However, former Commissioner for Information under the Ikpeazu administration, John Kalu, disputed these claims, stating that the properties were moved to the new Government House before the transition. The controversy also extended to the ownership of the old Government House, with Governor Otti suggesting it was a rented space, a claim contested by others.
While there are no explicit laws preventing governors from operating from their private residences, critics argue that conducting official government meetings in a private setting poses risks to the security of official documents. The debate over the governor's choice of workplace lingers, raising questions about governance, financial prudence, and the prioritization of public resources.
Source: Premium times
