In a bold policy shift, the Abia State Government has announced plans to repurpose the proposed new Government House located at Ogurube Layout in Umuahia into a five-star hotel. The announcement was made during a media inspection tour of the site led by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, on Thursday.
Speaking at the scene, Kanu revealed that the existing Government House complex would now serve as the base for constructing a new Governor’s Office and official lodge. This move effectively scraps the controversial Government House project initiated by the past administration.
Exposing a Legacy of Mismanagement
Addressing circulating allegations that the current Government House was a leased property, the commissioner debunked the claim as false and misleading. “That property was never rented. It was fully acquired by the Abia State Government,” Kanu stated. “However, previous administrations deceived the public by paying themselves rent from state coffers, pretending the property was a rented facility.”
Kanu criticized the abandoned Government House structure, asserting it was never built to function as a residential or administrative space. “What we have here is nothing short of a white elephant project,” he said. “There are no wardrobes, no defined living quarters—just large, empty halls. Clearly, the building was not designed for human habitation.”
Unfinished, Unsafe, and Unusable
He further noted that only one floor in the massive building appears to be near completion, with other parts still in varying stages of abandonment. “Even that one floor cannot be considered fully completed. There’s no elevator, the walls are unplastered, and the environment poses serious safety concerns,” he added. “If someone takes a wrong step, they could fall and die. That’s how dangerous this structure is.”
A Response to Opposition Claims
Kanu took aim at former Information Commissioner John Okiyi Kalu, accusing him of deliberately spreading misinformation regarding the project. “When Governor Alex Otti revealed the truth about this building, Okiyi Kalu went on Arise TV and peddled lies. Today, we brought the media here to witness the facts firsthand.”
He said the structure had become a monument to misused funds and hasty planning. “There’s some scattered furniture here and there, probably arranged to deceive visitors. But it’s evident this place was hurriedly cobbled together to create a false sense of accomplishment. The real cost was borne by the people of Abia State.”
Security Concerns and Future Use
Kanu also raised security concerns about the location of the building, noting that it is surrounded by other properties, making it ill-suited for sensitive government functions. As such, the Otti-led administration has decided to convert the uninhabitable structure into a luxury hotel—a move the commissioner says will prevent further waste and stimulate economic activity.
In conclusion, he urged citizens to dismiss the criticisms coming from the opposition and to stand firmly with Governor Otti. “This administration is committed to responsible governance and will not condone the squandering of Abians’ commonwealth,” Kanu affirmed.
