Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has ordered the immediate unsealing of an office linked to the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

The office, known as the Renewed Hope Partner office, is situated on Ojike Street in Umuahia.

Governor Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, confirmed this development in a recent statement. He clarified that the directive for the unsealing came directly from the state governor.

Action Not Politically Motivated

Ukoha emphasized that the initial sealing of the property was not politically motivated. Rather, it formed part of a broader enforcement exercise. This initiative targeted properties that were in default of their statutory obligations to the state government.

According to the statement, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu brought the matter to Governor Otti’s attention. Following this, the unsealing was promptly carried out. This action was pending the proper regularization of the building’s documentation.

The state’s Harmonised Task Force had originally sealed the property. This was part of a general enforcement drive based on court orders. The government reiterated its stance that the enforcement had no political undertones. Instead, it focused on properties failing to meet legal requirements.

Details of Statutory Defaults

Key details provided by the state government highlighted specific defaults. Ground rent for the property had been owed since 1982. Furthermore, the lease for the property was scheduled to expire on December 31, 2025.

The property owner had reportedly failed to respond to demand notices. These notices requested proof of compliance with ground rent payments and other related charges. Consequently, a court order was obtained to facilitate the sealing. Evidence of service for these demand notices was presented to the court.

The statement also listed other structures that have been unsealed. These included a property associated with the late Sam Mbakwe family. A radio station and a property in use by a government agency were also among the affected premises.