The Abia State Government has explained why Governor Alex Otti has not moved into the newly constructed Government House in Umuahia since taking office.

Speaking during a live radio programme Open Parliament on Family Love FM, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, said the administration is more focused on delivering good governance than relocating to a specific office.

“The people of Abia are more interested in good governance than in the governor’s physical location,” Ukoha stated.

He also revealed that rumours of ritual activities in the building, allegedly carried out during the previous administration, have made the government cautious.

“Before now, there were rumours that cows, vultures and tortoises were buried inside the Government House and other incantations with the intention of eliminating the Governor when he was newly elected. That is the rumour that we heard,” Ukoha said.

While dismissing the claims as superstition, he pointed to growing pressure from opposition voices as suspicious.

“I hope it is not what I am thinking. Why is this coming from the same people? ‘Move to the Government House, move to the Government House’,” he questioned.

Governor Otti is currently operating from the old Government House, which is undergoing renovation, including upgrades to key offices and facilities.