Multi-Billion Naira Government House Set For Demolition By Nigerian Governor Due To Financial Struggles

Multi-Billion Naira Government House Set For Demolition By Nigerian Governor Due To Financial Struggles

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has pledged to demolish the newly constructed multi-billion naira Government House in Umuahia, the state capital. Otti made this announcement during the inauguration of a new office for the chairperson of Arochukwu Local Government Council…….. CONTINUE READING 

Details of Otti’s comments were shared by his spokesperson, Ukoha Njoku, in a statement on Sunday. According to Premium Times, Otti has not utilized the new Government House since taking office in May 2023, opting instead to conduct government affairs from his personal residence outside Umuahia.

The new Government House was commissioned by Okezie Ikpeazu, the former governor, on May 28, just before the end of his term. The project, located at Ogurute Layout near the State Secretariat, was inherited from Theodore Orji, who had initiated and brought it to the roofing stage. Ikpeazu’s administration reportedly spent ₦175 million on fencing alone, with total expenses for the project estimated to be several billion naira.

Despite having an older Government House in Umuahia, Otti has also not moved into it. He has been operating from his private residence in Umuru Umuehi, Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area.

At the Arochukwu ceremony, Otti criticized the new Government House as “dilapidated and decayed,” announcing plans to demolish it before the year ends. He emphasized that his administration would focus on building a new, more appropriate Government House in its place.

Otti stated, “Currently, I am not using the Government House in Umuahia because it is in poor condition. Instead of investing in its refurbishment, I chose to prioritize other essential needs. By the end of this year, we will dismantle these deteriorated structures and replace them with facilities that truly reflect the dignity of Abia’s people.”