Abia Government to Convert Controversial New Government House into Five-Star Hotel
The Abia State Government has announced plans to convert the recently constructed Government House, commissioned by former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, into a five-star hotel.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made the announcement after inspecting the three-storey structure. He described the building as “uninhabitable and a security risk,” alleging that it was hastily inaugurated just 24 hours before Ikpeazu left office.
“Not Designed to Be a Government House”
Kanu criticized the building’s design, stating it lacks basic residential features such as wardrobes and proper room divisions, noting that most of the space consists of empty halls.
“This place is uninhabitable. One wonders what the designers had in mind when they expected a Governor to live here,” he said.
He added that only the first floor appears complete, while the upper floors remain unfinished and lack essential installations like an elevator.
“If someone missteps, they could fall to their death. It’s a safety hazard,” Kanu warned.
New Plans for Government House
Governor Alex Otti has ordered the construction of a new Government House on the site of the old one. Kanu also dismissed claims that the old Government House was rented, alleging the previous administration used the narrative to siphon public funds.
“They were paying themselves rent from government coffers,” he said.
The current administration intends to repurpose the incomplete Ogurube Layout building as a five-star hotel to serve the state’s economic interests. Kanu emphasized that Governor Otti, known for fiscal prudence, would not allow the building to go to waste.
He concluded by calling on Abians to support the administration’s development agenda and ignore opposition criticisms.
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