The Abia State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, has condemned the Government House commissioned by the last administration as uninhabitable and unfit for use as a governor’s residence.
Speaking during a guided media tour on Thursday, Kanu criticised the project, describing it as a deceptive effort by the immediate past administration and a gross misuse of public funds.
The controversial structure, which was officially commissioned by former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on May 28, 2024, just one day before the end of his tenure, has been the subject of growing scrutiny and public concern.
According to Kanu, the building lacks the basic facilities required for residential occupation and was never intended to function as a home for the state’s chief executive.
“We’ve conducted a tour of this so-called government house, and it’s obvious this place was not meant to be a residential facility,” Kanu told reporters.
“At best, it was built for parties, because we all know the former governor was a party-loving governor.”
During the tour, the Commissioner highlighted several shortcomings of the structure, including the absence of wardrobes, lack of functional elevators, and minimal furnishing, restricted only to the first floor.
He further noted serious security and structural issues, raising red flags about the safety and suitability of the location for any top government official.
“This is not an ideal location for a governor to reside,” he stressed. “From the topography to its proximity to neighbouring buildings, everything about this site raises serious concerns.”
Kanu dismissed earlier justifications made by Chief John Okiyi Kalu, former Commissioner for Trade and Commerce under the Ikpeazu administration, who had defended the project as a deliberate move to allow the incoming governor to personalise the facility.
“When His Excellency Dr Alex Otti spoke about this building, John Okiyi went to Arise TV and, as usual, spewed falsehoods. Almost everything he said was a lie,” Kanu said. “That’s why I brought you here to see for yourselves and confirm the truth.”
Addressing further misinformation, Kanu clarified that the former Government House was not rented, as claimed by some, but was legally acquired by the state government. “That property was duly acquired. No rent was ever paid,” he stated.
On the financial aspect of the controversial project, Kanu said the exact amount expended remains uncertain.
However, he confirmed that a government panel has submitted an interim report and will soon release a comprehensive final report that will provide full financial details.
In a move to repurpose the structure, the commissioner announced plans to convert the facility into a five-star hotel.
According to him, the state government is already in discussions with an international hotel chain and another unnamed brand to manage the conversion.
He emphasised that this decision was driven by a commitment to ensure the building serves a productive purpose without placing additional burden on state resources.
“This government will never misuse the state’s resources. That’s why we are converting this building into something productive,” Kanu assured.
“We are focused on development and responsible use of public funds.”
He concluded by reiterating the administration’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of Abia citizens, noting that Governor Alex Otti is committed to building a new and befitting Government House at the site of the former residence.
“We will always do what is right for the people of Abia,” Kanu said. “This administration stands for progress, not deception.”
The controversy surrounding the Government House is expected to remain a subject of public interest as the state awaits the panel’s final report and the outcome of the proposed hotel conversion.
