Why Alex Otti abandoned government house reconstruction

DDM News

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Nigeria has explained why he delayed reconstructing the Government House in Umuahia at the start of his tenure.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that Otti said the project was not a priority when he assumed office in 2023.

According to the governor, leadership should focus on citizens’ needs rather than political structures or personal comfort.

He made this known during his inspection of the ongoing reconstruction of the Governor’s Office and lodge in Umuahia.

Otti stated that his government had to choose wisely among many pressing demands by using an economic scale of preference.

He explained that paying workers’ salaries, fixing primary healthcare, and improving schools were more urgent than building a new office.

He said, “Government is about the people, and if the people do not give their support, leadership cannot function effectively.”

The governor emphasized that everything seemed important, but some issues directly affected the well-being of Abians more than others.

He insisted that education, roads, and healthcare had to come first, especially since many citizens were struggling.

“We didn’t think the government house was more important than workers’ salaries,” Otti declared.

He added, “We didn’t think it was more important than primary healthcare centres, schools, or roads.”

Otti also referenced the administration’s free basic education policy, which aimed to give every child access to quality schooling.

He said the reconstruction of the government house only commenced after addressing more urgent matters across the state.

He noted that roads, offices, and other critical infrastructure had been in deplorable condition and needed immediate attention.

“Having eliminated a lot of those challenges, work has now started here,” the governor said while surveying the project.

He revealed that the reconstruction of Michael Okpara’s auditorium is also ongoing and would be completed by the end of June.

The new government house project is expected to enhance administrative efficiency without undermining citizen-centered governance.

Otti’s comments have sparked mixed reactions, with some applauding his priorities while others question the delay in improving government facilities.

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