Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has explained why his administration abandoned the site of the proposed new Government House at Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, insisting that the seat of power will remain at its current location along Library Avenue, Afara Umuahia.
Otti gave the clarification while responding to questions during the March edition of his monthly media interaction, “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians and Residents.”
The governor said his administration deliberately decided to retain the Government House at its existing location, describing it as the most suitable site for the seat of power in the state.
It would be recalled that the immediate past administration had begun construction of a new Government House complex at Ogurube Layout, with plans to relocate all arms of government and offices to the area. The location already hosts key public institutions, including the State Legislature, the Judiciary, the workers’ secretariat and the International Conference Centre.
However, the project was not completed before the end of that administration. Upon assumption of office in 2023, Governor Otti rejected the facility, describing it as unfit for human habitation.
The building remained unused until the current administration decided to convert the structure into a hotel.
According to the governor, work is currently progressing rapidly on the renovation of the existing Government House, which his administration considers the ideal location.
“Serious work is going on very quickly in this place (the present Government House), which we decided is the ideal place for a Government House. The Government House is not moving from here,” Otti stated.
He disclosed that discussions are at an advanced stage with an international five-star hospitality brand that will manage the hotel to be created from the abandoned Government House structure at Ogurube Layout.
“By the time the agreements are concluded, you will get to know which five-star brand we are talking about,” he said.
The abandoned government house
The governor also hinted that the newly constructed Umuahia Central Bus Terminal located in the city centre would soon be completed and commissioned.
“The entire place is being cleaned up now. By the time it is done, we will start pilot activities and eventually commission it,” he said.
Commitment to Labour Party
Amid growing speculation about a possible defection, Governor Otti reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party, stating that he has no intention of leaving the party.
He explained that the internal challenges that previously affected the party have been resolved by the Supreme Court, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) complying fully with the court’s ruling.
“The Labour Party had a problem, but that problem has been resolved by the Supreme Court ruling. And INEC has also respected the decision of the Supreme Court,” Otti said.
He added that the party is currently undergoing a fresh round of membership registration and preparations for congresses and a national convention.
“The party is back on its feet and stronger. As we speak, registration is going on and those who haven’t registered should please register. You still have a window to register.
“We will be having our congresses leading all the way to the convention any time from now. In the light of this superior information, the question about defecting does not arise,” he added.
On Security
Governor Otti also cautioned against profiling criminals along ethnic or regional lines, stressing that crime should not be attributed to any particular group.
He noted that in many cases perpetrators of crimes such as housebreaking are locals, including acquaintances or relatives of victims.
“Profiling herdsmen as coming from a particular section of the country may not be very correct. We do not discriminate whether you are from the North, South, East or West. If you break the law, we will treat you as an offender and if you do well, we will reward you as a good citizen,” he said.
The governor added that his administration operates an inclusive government, with individuals from across the country recruited into positions based on merit.
He also urged residents to provide credible security information to the authorities, assuring that such reports would receive prompt attention.
On the proposed establishment of state police in line with federal directives, Otti said Abia State is making the necessary preparations and will implement the initiative in due course.
Abia Airport Project
Speaking on the proposed Abia International Airport project, the governor said construction of the runway is progressing steadily.
He explained that the project is being executed through a partnership between the state government and the Federal Government.
According to him, while the Abia State Government is responsible for constructing the runway, the Federal Government will handle the airport terminal and other supporting infrastructure.
Otti expressed optimism that the project would be completed on schedule, noting that the same contractor is handling both the state and federal components of the project.