Abia Governor Alex Otti has explained the circumstances surrounding the closure of the Renewed Hope Agenda office on Ojike Street in Umuahia, dismissing opposition claims that the action was politically motivated.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Ukoha, the governor said the move was part of a general enforcement carried out by the state Harmonized Task Force in compliance with existing court orders.
He said the property was among several others sealed for failing to comply with legal obligations.
Otti noted that he ordered the immediate opening of the building after House of Representatives Vice President Benjamin Kalu informed him of the matter.
According to him, it was not necessary to attribute political motives to the task force’s activities, since the operation had nothing to do with the political affiliations of the property owners.
“The unsealing was carried out quickly pending the regularization of the building’s documentation. This execution was not politically motivated; rather, it was part of a general exercise aimed at properties that did not comply with legal obligations,” the statement reads.
The government added that the property owner had not responded to notices requesting proof of compliance with payment of ground rent and other required fees.