ARTICLE AD BOX
The Abia State Government has announced its decision to convert the unfinished Government House project at Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, into a five-star hotel. This development was disclosed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a media inspection of the site on Thursday.
According to Kanu, the state will instead construct a new Governor’s Office and Lodge within the premises of the current Government House complex, abandoning the much-publicized project initiated by the previous administration.
Rethinking a Flawed Legacy
Commissioner Kanu took the opportunity to address longstanding claims that the current Government House is a rented facility, calling such assertions completely false. “The building was duly acquired by the state. Unfortunately, those previously in charge misled the public while allegedly paying themselves rent using state funds,” he said.
Unfit for Occupation
Kanu described the abandoned structure at Ogurube Layout as incomplete and poorly designed, stressing that it was never suited to serve as an official residence. “There are no basic amenities—no wardrobes, no functional rooms. What we found were empty halls,” he stated.
He added that only the first floor appears close to being finished, with other levels left incomplete. “It raises serious questions about what purpose the structure was meant to serve. Certainly not to house a sitting governor.”
Safety and Design Concerns
Beyond being incomplete, Kanu highlighted serious safety risks within the building. “The elevator wasn’t installed, many areas remain unplastered, and the structure looks potentially dangerous,” he warned. “A misstep in some parts of this building could be fatal.”
He criticized what he described as a rushed construction job done merely for political optics, not practical governance. “There’s evidence of superficial furnishing on one floor, but it’s clear this project was never fully thought through,” he said.
Accusations of Misinformation
The commissioner also addressed recent comments made by former Commissioner John Okiyi Kalu, who dismissed Governor Alex Otti’s remarks about the project. “What he said on Arise TV was a series of distortions. That’s why we brought journalists here to see the facts on ground,” Kanu explained.
Future Plans and Public Assurance
Looking ahead, Kanu said the state government has concluded that the structure, due to its poor planning and unsuitable location—surrounded by private buildings—should not be used for official government business. Instead, the site will be transformed into a five-star hotel, potentially creating revenue and employment opportunities.
He urged the people of Abia to stay focused on the current administration’s reform agenda. “Governor Otti is committed to ensuring transparency and responsible use of public resources. This move is about putting an end to waste and charting a new path for the state.”
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