Ex-Abia Governors Move to Sue Governor Otti Over Use of Private Residence

A coalition of former governors, lawmakers, and political appointees who held public offices in Abia State between 1999 and 2023 has announced plans to initiate legal action against the current governor, Alex Otti, over his continued operation from a private residence.

The group reached this resolution during its second official meeting, which took place at the private home of a former Abia State governor, Theodore Orji. According to information released after the gathering, members expressed dissatisfaction with Governor Otti’s decision to run state affairs from his personal residence located in Nvosi, within Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

The political team is made up of prominent figures who previously governed or served in Abia State. Among them are former governors Orji Uzor Kalu, Theodore Orji, and Okezie Ikpeazu, alongside other past legislators and political office holders who were active during the stated period.

Following their deliberations, the group released a formal communique outlining their position. In the statement, they emphasized that the proposed legal action is intended to compel Governor Otti to vacate his private residence and officially conduct government business from the Government House situated in Umuahia, the state capital.

The communique clearly stated that a lawsuit should be filed to ensure compliance with what they described as appropriate administrative conduct. The group maintained that the Government House exists for official purposes and should serve as the primary location for the governor’s daily operations.

The statement was publicly read by Victor Ike Oye, a former media aide to the Abia State government. While addressing journalists, he conveyed the group’s concern and disappointment that, despite the passage of time since assuming office, Governor Otti has not relocated his official activities to the Government House.

In addition to the legal matter, the group also used the opportunity to express political alignment at the federal level. They declared their preparedness to support the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu. Furthermore, the team expressed appreciation to the President for nominating one of their members, former governor Okezie Ikpeazu, for an ambassadorial appointment.

The development adds another layer to the ongoing political discourse in Abia State, particularly around governance practices, institutional traditions, and the expectations placed on elected office holders.