Governor Alex Otti Abandons Lavish Government House: Governing Abia State from Private Residence

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has chosen to operate the state government from his private residence in Umuru Umuehi, shunning both the newly built multi-billion naira Government House in Umuahia and the existing one. This decision comes six months after assuming office, raising questions about the utilization of public resources.

The recently commissioned Government House, initiated by Otti’s predecessor, boasts a two-story mansion with extensive facilities, including a swimming pool. However, it stands empty, with no sign of official activity reported by Premium Times during their visit on October 3.

Even the old Government House in Umuahia, which housed previous administrations, remains unoccupied. The governor attributes this to the alleged looting of office equipment by officials from the past administration.

Otti’s spokesperson, Kazie Uko, cites lack of sufficient buildings within the new Government House complex as a reason for not relocating. He claims that the ground floor is “slightly furnished,” but the upper floors are incomplete, with dangling wires present.

The governor defends his choice, stating that the old Government House is dilapidated and would require substantial funds for renovation. He emphasizes prioritizing essential needs such as road construction, salary payments, and healthcare support.

Critics, including former Commissioner for Information John Kalu, dispute Otti’s claims, arguing that the new Government House was completed before the handover. They accuse the current administration of neglecting government facilities in favour of personal convenience.

Otti’s decision to run the state affairs from his private residence incurs financial costs, with officials regularly commuting for State Executive Council meetings. The Abia State Government spends an estimated N440,000 weekly and nearly N2 million monthly on fuel alone for these journeys.

Controversy surrounds Otti’s assertion that the old Government House is a rented property. While some claim it belongs to the defunct Eastern Region, others challenge the governor to investigate the ownership and rental payments.

Legal experts weigh in, stating there are no laws preventing governors from operating from their private residences. However, concerns arise about the security of official government files and documents during meetings held in a private setting.

The governor’s unconventional approach raises questions about the responsible use of public funds and the adherence to established norms in governance. As the debate continues, citizens await clarity on the future of Abia State’s executive operations.