Former Commissioner for Information in Abia State, Barrister Eze Chikamnayo, has threatened legal action against Governor Alex Otti over an alleged plan to convert the newly constructed Government House in Umuahia into a five-star hotel.
Chikamnayo made the allegation during an interview on TVC, where he expressed strong disapproval of the move, describing it as a violation of public trust and a monumental error.
According to him, over 30 lawyers in Abia State are already prepared to drag the governor to court should the plan go ahead.
He defended the construction of the Government House under the previous administration, arguing that it was not a display of extravagance but rather a legacy project meant to symbolize the dignity and heritage of the state.
“How can anyone describe the seat of government as wasteful? That is like calling the White House or Aso Rock wasteful. The Government House is the pride of over four million Abians. It is a serious institution, situated in Ogurube Layout, alongside the legislature, judiciary, and civil service – the entire government structure in one location,” he said.
Chikamnayo accused Governor Otti of relocating the seat of power to his private residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South, which he claimed is 54 kilometers from the state capital.
“The governor has taken Abia to his bedroom. Every decision taken from there is illegal and unacceptable. Abians will not keep quiet while governance is micromanaged from a private home,” he added.
He maintained that the legal challenge would seek to nullify all decisions made from the alleged private location and compel the governor to return to the official Government House.
As at the time of filing this report, the Abia State Government is yet to issue an official response to the claims.
