Umuahia, Abia State – Governor Dr Alex Otti’s recent announcement to demolish the Abia Government House and other state lodges has sparked outrage and concern among residents and political observers. The Governor, speaking at a weekend event in Arochukwu local government, hinted at replacing the current Government House in Umuahia with a new, “befitting” structure, prompting scrutiny over the government’s intentions and financial priorities.
Chief Obinna Oriaku, a prominent political figure and former Finance Commissioner, has voiced strong opposition to Governor Otti’s plans. In a detailed statement on social media, Oriaku accused the Governor of succumbing to unfounded superstitions and wasting state resources. He referred to rumours that Otti avoids the official Government House due to spiritual warnings, opting instead to hold state meetings at his Nvosi country home.
“Fears are rife that Abia’s Governor Alex Otti may have ‘entered ‘one chance’, especially by his brazen determination to demolish the iconic Abia Governor’s lodge in Abuja and the Government House in Umuahia,” Oriaku remarked, criticising the Governor’s reliance on spiritual advisers and the impracticality of his decisions.
The financial implications of these demolitions and new constructions are significant. Oriaku highlighted that the estimated cost of over N25 billion for these projects could be better spent on pressing issues such as unpaid salaries, leave allowances, and the implementation of the new national minimum wage of N70,000. “The money he will channel to construct new ‘befitting’ Lodge and Government House respectively, instead of modifying what former Governors built to his taste as a ‘billionaire’, will help offset quantum arrears of unpaid salaries,” he stated.
Oriaku also pointed out the Governor’s extravagant spending on luxury hotels, contrasting it with the state’s dire economic situation. “The Aba lodge is also under lock and key as the Governor uses IBIZA hotel Aba and Transcorp Hilton in Abuja anytime he is not at Umuehim Nvosi,” he revealed, condemning such financial imprudence.
The broader implications of Governor Otti’s actions have raised concerns about the erosion of Abia’s Christian values and the potential impact on the state’s identity as ‘God’s own state’. Oriaku emphasised, “Abians are also concerned about the possible dent such superstition will leave on our age-long Christian foundation.”
With the state facing significant economic challenges, many residents and political observers are calling for a reassessment of Governor Otti’s priorities. “The Governor should be told that his high taste and other ancillary benefits associated with construction should not make his government commit over N25 billion into the reconstruction of Government House at Abuja and Umuahia when we are faced with food insecurity and an impending existential threat of unrest by the majority of Nigerian youths,” Oriaku urged.
As the controversy continues, the call for prudent financial management and prioritising the needs of Abia’s citizens grows louder, urging Governor Otti to reconsider his demolition plans in favour of more immediate and impactful economic solutions.