Former Abia Governors Threaten Legal Action Over Otti’s Use of Private Residence as Office

Two former governors of Abia State have announced plans to institute legal action against the current governor, Alex Otti, over his continued operation from a private residence rather than the official Government House.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the former governors argued that the practice violates established administrative norms and undermines the dignity of the office of the governor. They maintained that public funds and official state business should be conducted strictly from designated government facilities, not from private properties.

According to them, the Government House exists to serve as the official seat of power in the state, providing transparency, accessibility, and institutional continuity. They warned that running government affairs from a private residence could raise constitutional, security, and accountability concerns.

The former leaders also claimed that the arrangement limits access to the governor by public officials and citizens, potentially weakening democratic engagement and oversight. They urged Governor Otti to immediately relocate all official activities to the Government House to avoid what they described as an “institutional anomaly.”

In response, aides to Governor Otti defended the decision, stating that the move was temporary and driven by security and renovation considerations. They insisted that governance has not been disrupted and that official duties are being carried out effectively in the interest of the state.

The governor’s camp further accused the former governors of politicising a non-issue, arguing that the administration remains focused on reforms, infrastructure development, and economic recovery in Abia State.

Despite these assurances, the former governors said they are consulting their legal teams and may approach the courts if the situation persists, setting the stage for a potential legal and political confrontation in the state.