Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has firmly addressed recent threats from his predecessors, including Senators Orji Uzor Kalu and Theodore Ahamefule Orji, who have indicated intentions to sue him for conducting state affairs from his private residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, rather than the Government House in Umuahia.
During a media parley held in Umuahia on January 30, 2026, Governor Otti dismissed the criticisms as "mere noise," emphasizing that no provision in the Nigerian Constitution requires a governor to operate from a specific location.
"I have looked at the Constitution, and there is nowhere it says I must live or operate from a particular place," Governor Otti stated. He further noted that his lawyers are fully prepared to defend against any legal action, inviting his predecessors to proceed to court if they wish.
Governor Otti explained that the decision stems from the dilapidated condition in which the Government House was left by previous administrations, making it unsuitable for immediate use.
He underscored that the people of Abia State are more concerned with the quality of governance and tangible results than the physical location from which he works. "Abia people are not interested in where I live. They are interested in the work I do," he affirmed.
This response comes amid ongoing efforts by the Otti administration to prioritize infrastructure rehabilitation, including plans to renovate the Government House while maintaining efficient service delivery to Abians. The Governor reiterated his commitment to transparency, accountability, and transformative leadership, regardless of operational base.