The Abia State Government has explained why Governor Alex Otti has not moved into the new Government House since assuming office.

Speaking during a live radio programme Open Parliament on Family Love FM in Umuahia, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, said that the people of Abia are more interested in good governance than in the governor’s physical location.

Ukoha also revealed that there were long-standing rumours that strange rituals may have been carried out in the new Government House during the previous administration.

“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,” he said.

He added that while the Otti-led administration does not believe in such claims, the growing pressure from the opposition for Governor Otti to move into the building is raising suspicions.

“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,” Ukoha questioned.

He stressed that the rumours were not treated as facts but noted that the insistence from certain quarters made the government take a cautious approach.

Ukoha also noted that Governor Otti is currently working from the old Government House, which is undergoing major renovation, including upgrades to the Secretary to the State Government’s office and the Government House clinic.