The Abia State government has announced plans to convert the newly commissioned Government House, constructed by the previous administration just before handing over power, into a five-star hotel. The decision comes amid concerns over the building’s lack of essential facilities and its location within a private residential area, which the government says poses serious security risks to Governor Alex Otti.
On Thursday, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, led journalists on a tour of the building, revealing that it lacks a functional elevator and that the upper floors are unfinished and structurally defective. He noted that only the first floor is completed and furnished, while the rest of the structure remains incomplete despite significant public funds reportedly spent on the project.
Kanu dismissed allegations by the former Commissioner for Information, John Okiyi Kalu, who accused Governor Otti of using propaganda against the previous administration led by Okezie Ikpeazu. He stressed that the Government House is unsuitable for habitation and emphasized the security dangers posed by its proximity to private residences.
“For the governor to live here would be a serious security risk,” Kanu said, explaining the rationale behind repurposing the building as a hotel. He urged the public to disregard claims that the Government House was fully completed and ready for official use.