Abia State Governor Alex Otti explained the reason he operates from his Nvosi Umuehim country home, saying the state does not have a befitting Government House.

Otti said this while inaugurating the newly constructed office of the Chairman of Arochukwu Local Government Area in Arochukwu, Abia State, on Saturday, July 27, 2024.

Successive governments in the state had operated from rented office accommodation, most of which have become dilapidated.

The past administrations of Theodore Orji and Dr Okezie Ikpeazu commenced the construction of a Government House at Ogurube Layout but Otti described the uncompleted building as substandard and unbefitting for Abia State.

He, therefore, promised to build a “befitting Government House” before the end of the year.

“Before the end of the year, we are going to bring down those dilapidated structures and build what befits the educated people of Abia,” the governor said.

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Otti also spoke on his choice of the Transition Committee (TC) Chairmen for the Local Government Councils,  whom he called Mayors, saying people kicked against it but that he went ahead to do so.

He expressed delight that “the millionaires and foreign-based professionals, who were not politicians, have not disappointed”.

Governor Otti also thanked the TC Chairman of the Local Government, Joe Aru, for supporting his entrance into politics since 2014 and sharing in his vision of what Abia State should be.

Speaking, Aru said the inauguration of the Local Government Secretariat represented the people’s dedication to progress, service and community development.

He stated: “It is a testament to our resilience and our unwavering commitment to support Governor Otti’s effort at building a new Abia.

“The new Arochukwu LGA Headquarters will serve as the nerve centre for our local government operations and a place where impactful policies are formulated, services coordinated and community engagement fostered.”

Aru, who vowed to address other major problems facing the people at the LGA, thanked Otti for believing in him and giving him the opportunity to serve.

The Star