Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, on Saturday, explained why he has not been operating from the Government House in Umuahia, but from his private residence in Umuehim Nvosi in Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
Otti disclosed this at the Arochukwu LGA headquarters while commissioning projects executed by the Mayor of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Joe Aru.
The governor stated that he has not been operating from the Government House due to the dilapidated condition of the buildings. He assured that by December this year, he will demolish the current structures and rebuild a befitting Government House in Umuahia.
He stated, “Today, I am not operating from the Government House in Umuahia because there is no Government House. Everywhere is dilapidated and decayed. The option would have been to use the money I used to pay pensioners to begin to retrofit the Government House. But, I felt that we could operate from anywhere while doing the most important things first.
“And I am proud to report that before the end of this year, we are going to break down those dilapidated buildings and put up structures that are befitting for our enlightened people like the Abia people.”
Governor Otti said that the projects executed by the council Mayor are in line with his vision for Abia State, explaining that everything his administration is doing, whether in health, road infrastructure, or other areas, is always of the highest quality.
“If you look at the projects we are doing, the road projects, the school projects, the healthcare delivery projects, and every other project, they are either done to the best and highest standards, or we won’t do them at all. We didn’t cut corners. I want to say a big thank you to God, particularly for making us to be in a position to serve Him at this time.”‘
Otti appreciated the achievements recorded by the Mayor of Arochukwu, who he said is supporting his vision, stating,
“I also want to thank him for working so harmoniously with other Mayors and for supporting us.”
In his speech, the Mayor of Arochukwu said the reconstructions done at the council headquarters were a testament to the unwavering support of the governor.
Aru also recalled that upon assuming office, he found the council headquarters in bad shape, prompting his efforts to carry out the projects.