Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has confirmed the ongoing upgrading of the Government House and reconstruction of the Governor’s Office by his administration in Government House, Umuahia.
The Governor disclosed this on Saturday, while addressing the congregants at a Sabbath Church service, held at the Unity Chapel, Government House, Umuahia.
Governor Otti explained that he delayed the commencement of work in Government House because it was not a priority at the beginning of his administration, saying that though the Government House was important, it was not as important as many other things that have direct impact on the people of the State.
“Because, Government is about the people. And if the people do not give their support, then leadership will not be able to work.
“So, the challenge was, which one do we do first? As a student of economics, we have brought with us a scale of preference. And, we sat down and said, okay, everything is important, some are more important than others.
“We didn’t think this place (Government House) was more important than your salaries. We didn’t think this place was more important than the primary healthcare centres.
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“We didn’t think it was more important than our schools. We didn’t think it was more important than making education free at the basic level so that our children and those who cannot afford to pay will have the opportunity that you and I had.
“We didn’t think this place was more important than the roads that were dilapidated, the offices that were decrepit.
“So, we started with what we listed as the most important things. Having eliminated a lot of them (challenges). So, right now, I’m sure if you look around, you will see work has started around here,” Governor Otti stated.
The State Chief Executive noted that work has started with the reconstruction of Michael Okpara auditorium, which he said would be completed before the end of June and further said that the Secretary to State Government’s office is at the furnishing stage now while work is on at the Government House Clinic.
He added that the Governor’s lodge, which is more or less like a makeshift place would also be reconstructed alongside the Unity Chapel in Government House.
Governor Otti encouraged believers to continue to have faith in God, as well as pay attention to their health, families and children and thanked the church for her support and sustained prayer to his administration.
He said that in a few day’s time, the administration will be two years, being half of the first term in office and assured that the momentum would increase to ensure Abia people and residents reap more dividends of democracy.
This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday by his chief press secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha and made available to journalists in Umuahia.
Earlier in his sermon titled, “Facing The Giant”, an elder of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Elder Ezekwem Odigbo, who took his text from 1 Samuel 17 :32-37, narrated how all the Israelites were afraid because of the threats of Goliath and how David picked courage, challenged him and became victorious.
He pointed out that David was able to win Goliath because he remembered that he is a child of God, knows who God is and depended on God ‘s deliverance. He therefore, charged Christians to do the same, assuring them that whatsoever be the challenge, God would grant them victory.
The service, which featured prayers for Governor Alex Otti, his family and people of the State was attended by the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the Deputy Speaker, RT. Hon. Okezie Nmeregini, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, and many Commissioners among other dignitaries, while the Governor, later inspected the ongoing reconstruction works in Government House.
