Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has inspected the ongoing construction of a new Governor’s Office and Official Residence at the Government House complex in Umuahia as part of efforts to modernize the state’s government infrastructure.
The governor disclosed that he visited the project site and met with engineers from Craneburg Construction Company, the contractor handling the development. During the inspection, he reviewed the progress of the work to ensure the project was being executed in accordance with the approved designs and standards.
Otti expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and the pace of construction. He is urging the contractors to maintain the current momentum. He stated that the project is expected to be completed before the end of the year and forms part of the administration’s plan to rebuild and upgrade the Abia State Government House after years of neglect.
The governor noted that several projects within the Government House complex have already been completed. These include the renovation of the Deputy Governor’s Office. Then, the construction of a new Office for the Secretary of the State Government. Finally, the remodeling of the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Protocol Building, Political Block Unit, and Banquet Hall.
He added that work is also ongoing on a modern Government House Clinic. The project includes a new gate and other supporting facilities to improve the complex’s overall functionality.
According to Otti, the objective is to transform the seat of government into a modern and efficient administrative centre. The new house must be capable of meeting the needs of the people of Abia State. The question of Otti running the state from his Country Home has been a major talking point for the opposition.
The People’s Democratic Party’s Gubernatorial Candidate, Kelechi Anosike, is the latest politician to comment on this issue. He stated that he will immediately return to the Government House if he is elected in 2027.
The running of Abia state from a country home has even forced a reaction from the President. President Tinubu, who criticised it, said it’s unbecoming.
Alex Otti won the Abia governorship election, ending nearly two decades of PDP reign in the state. He becomes the first opposition figure to take the reins of power in the state since the turn of the millennium.
