Abia Govt. criticises Ikpeazu’s “last-minute” Govt House Project, describes It as uninhabitable

The Abia State Government has criticised former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for hurriedly commissioning what it describes as an uninhabitable Government House just 24 hours before leaving office.

This assertion was made by the State’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during an inspection of the facility in Umuahia, accompanied by journalists.

Prince Kanu dismissed claims by aides of the former governor that the current administration, led by Governor Alex Otti, had abandoned the new Government House situated at Ogurube Layout. He argued that the building lacked essential features to qualify as a proper Government House.

“This place appears uninhabitable. There are no wardrobes anywhere. Most of what we saw were merely empty halls,” he stated. He expressed bewilderment at the notion that anyone would expect a governor to reside in such a space.

The Commissioner highlighted that only the first floor of the building appeared complete, while the other levels remained unfinished, lacking critical safety installations such as lifts. “The entire structure appears hazardous. A single misstep could result in a fatal fall,” Kanu cautioned.

He criticised the previous administration for allegedly rushing to commission the building as a Government House, seemingly to project a false sense of accomplishment. “Admittedly, there are a few pieces of furniture present. However, beyond that, there is nothing substantial on the next floor,” he added.

Kanu also accused the past government of squandering state resources on what he described as a purposeless and unsafe structure. He reiterated that Governor Alex Otti had invited the media to observe the building’s condition firsthand, countering what he termed “falsehoods” propagated by former Commissioner John Okiyi Kalu in defence of Ikpeazu’s administration.

The Commissioner concluded that the complex was never suitable for residential use, pledging that the current administration would ensure the prudent management of public resources moving forward.