The Abia State Government has announced its decision to transform the newly built government building in Ogurube, Umuahia, into a five-star hotel, citing its inability to live in and do not meet the basic standards required for government facilities.
The announcement was announced by Information Commissioner Okey Kanu during the facility’s media tour.
Kanu described the unsuitable structure commissioned by the previous government, emphasizing that it lacks basic characteristics such as wardrobe and other necessary accessories. He said: “This place seems uninhabitable. There is no wardrobe anywhere. Most of what we see is just empty halls. Does anyone see any wardrobe on any floor? No.
He added that the building appears to be designed and not intended to be actually used as a government building. “People are starting to wonder what the designer of this so-called government building has come to mind. How does anyone want the governor to live in a place like this?”
Kanu explained that one floor of the structure appears to have been completed, while the rest of the building remains incomplete and insecure. “Only the first floor seems to have been completed. The rest of the building is still incomplete. Many areas are not even plastered and elevators have never been installed. The whole place looks unsafe. If someone misunderstood in some places, they could die from their deaths,” he said.
He also claimed that the building was built in a hurry to create a false impression of progress. “They were eager to build this structure just to fool people into thinking it was a normal government house. Yes, there were a few pieces of furniture here, but that’s all. The upper level was completely empty. They abused the state’s resources to build a huge building with no real purpose.”
The Commissioner dismissed the latest public comment from former Information Commissioner John Okiyi Kalu, saying they were false and intended to mislead the public. “Everything he said is a lie. I brought the news members here so that they can see the truth on their own and verify what the governor said earlier.”
He further addressed the claim that the last government building was rented property. “Let me put that lie down. The old government building was not a rented apartment. It was a property officially acquired by the state. But the last government paid the rent from the government’s vault while pretending it was a rented space.”
Kanu said the Governor Alex Otti-Led administration has begun planning to build a new and suitable government building in its former official residence and urged the state’s citizens to ignore the opposition narrative and continue to support the government’s efforts to provide transparent and effective leadership.
