The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has directed the unsealing of the Renewed Hope Partner office of the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
The development was announced in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.
He explained that the unsealing of the property situated at Ojike Street, Umuahia, was following directives from the governor.
Speaking further, Ukoha explained that the sealing of the office was not politically motivated but part of a general exercise targeting properties in default of statutory obligations.
According to him, “The Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu brought the matter to the Governor’s attention. The unsealing was promptly executed pending the regularisation of the building’s documentation.
“The property was sealed by the state Harmonised Task Force as part of a blanket enforcement of court orders.
“This enforcement was not politically motivated; rather, it was part of a general exercise targeting properties in default of statutory obligations”.
According to the state government, the key details of the enforcement were on Ground Rent, which has been owed since 1982, with the lease expiring on December 31, 2025.
“The property owner failed to respond to demand notices requesting proof of compliance with payment of ground rent and other related charges, while a court order was obtained for the sealing after evidence of service of demand notices was presented,” the CPS added.
The statement also cited other structures that were unsealed, including property belonging to the late Sam Mbakwe family, a radio station, and a property in use by a government agency.
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