The Abia State Government has unsealed a property linked to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, while providing clarification that the initial sealing was not driven by political considerations.
Government Explains Property Sealing Decision
According to Mr Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alex Otti, the property located at No. 36 Ojike Street in Umuahia was sealed as part of a broader enforcement action by the state Harmonised Task Force. The official emphasized that this action represented a blanket enforcement of court orders affecting multiple properties across the state capital.
The building, which houses the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) organization, had been formally commissioned by Speaker Benjamin Kalu. However, government records indicated that the property owner had failed to fulfill ground rent obligations to the state government dating back to 1982, with the lease agreement set to expire on December 31, 2025.
Clarification on Targeting and Resolution
The Chief Press Secretary clarified that the enforcement action specifically targeted landlords who had defaulted on their ground rent payments, not the tenants occupying the properties. In this particular case, Renewed Hope Partners was identified as a tenant that had rented the property, while the ownership responsibilities remained with the landlord.
The property has now been unsealed following direct intervention from Governor Alex Otti, who acted after the Deputy Speaker brought the matter to his attention. The unsealing was executed promptly, though it remains conditional pending the regularization of the building's documentation with the state authorities.
Mr Ukoha stated: "The Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, brought the matter to the governor's attention, and the unsealing was promptly executed pending the regularisation of the building's documentation."
Broader Implications and Government Stance
This development highlights the state government's ongoing efforts to enforce property tax compliance while simultaneously addressing concerns about potential political motivations behind such actions. The government's quick response to the Deputy Speaker's intervention demonstrates a willingness to address individual cases while maintaining broader enforcement policies.
The situation underscores the importance of proper documentation and compliance with state revenue obligations, even for properties occupied by high-profile political figures and organizations. The resolution also indicates the government's commitment to addressing legitimate concerns while continuing its revenue drive across Abia State.
