Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced plans to demolish a recently built multi-billion naira Government House in Umuahia, the state capital. This decision was made public during the inauguration of a new office for the Arochukwu Local Government Council.
Otti, who has been in office since May 2023, has chosen not to use the new Government House or the old one, instead operating from his private residence.
He criticized the new Government House as “dilapidated and decayed” despite its recent completion and commissioning under his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu. Otti’s administration argues that using his residence saves costs, but this decision incurs significant expenses in travel for state officials. The planned demolition comes amid economic hardship in Nigeria and a heavy debt burden in Abia State.