We inherited a dilapidated government house- Abia state governor
The Abia State government clarified that it inherited a vandalized old Government House and an unfinished, unfurnished new Government House complex from the previous administration.
Responding to media reports accusing Governor Alex Otti of abandoning the new Government House, the state government stated that the governor has not used either the old or new houses, as per the report in a national newspaper.
The Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko, conducted a tour of the old and new Government Houses, expressing regret at the extent of vandalism in the former government’s quarters. He highlighted the absence of furniture and the removal of electronic equipment.
At the new Government House complex, he pointed out a collapsed peripheral wall and incomplete interiors, except for a portion of the ground floor with air-conditioning units and some furniture.Uko lamented that the new Government House, referred to as Governor’s Lodge, lacked a proper handover.
He criticized the condition of the building commissioned by the past administration, emphasizing the absence of essential facilities, such as lifts, electricity, and furniture.According to Uko, the last governor relocated to his village and operated from there, indicating the lack of preparation for the incumbent governor to use any Government House.
He emphasized the unbelief in Otti’s election victory and the failure to refurbish the old Government House or adequately furnish the new one.Acknowledging the state’s financial challenges, Uko stated that Governor Otti prioritized addressing salary and pension arrears and tackling significant debts rather than investing in renovating office spaces. He highlighted the governor’s focus on extensive road reconstruction and health facility improvements in the state.Credit : Punch News