Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has accused his predecessor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, of deceiving the public by commissioning an incomplete Government House shortly before the end of his tenure. Governor Otti described the action as dishonest and symbolic of the challenges inherited from the past administration.

Otti explained that upon visiting the newly inaugurated Government House in Umuahia, he discovered that only the ground floor was completed and furnished. According to him, the upper floors were left bare, lacking plaster, plumbing, and basic fittings, despite the building having been officially commissioned.

In spite of these discoveries, the governor said he has no intention of launching a full-scale investigation into the activities of the former government. He stressed that his focus is on development, not distractions. However, he revealed that an audit conducted by a financial consultancy uncovered that ₦10 billion had been withdrawn for an airport project that was never executed. He stated that his administration is demanding accountability on that particular issue.

Governor Otti also addressed the state's financial situation, stating that the actual debt left behind by the previous government was ₦192 billion, not the ₦138 billion reported by the Debt Management Office. He said this figure includes unpaid pensions, outstanding salaries, and debts owed to institutions such as polytechnics and medical bodies. He noted that his administration has not borrowed any money since taking office, and has managed to reduce the state's debt to ₦66 billion.

Addressing the issue of pension arrears, Otti revealed that many retirees were owed up to 56 months of payments. He said his government worked with pensioners to reach a resolution, and by Easter of last year, had paid out ₦10 billion to clear all outstanding pension debts.

In the healthcare sector, the governor refuted claims that the multi-specialist hospital in Aba had been abandoned. He explained that the hospital was converted into a general hospital because Aba already houses the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, which serves as a specialist center. He also disclosed that the teaching hospital had lost its accreditation in 2021 due to neglect, but his administration took swift action to restore it. Within six months, the facility was upgraded, staffed, and reaccredited by December 2023.

Governor Otti concluded by expressing his deep commitment to serving the people of Abia State, stating that his priorities remain focused on improving the welfare of citizens and delivering effective governance.