The Abia State government has clarified that the revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and the recovery of Abia Hotels, Umuahia, from an investor was not politically motivated against opposition party figures.

The government confirmed that full compensation was paid to the co-investor, Mr. Randi Obinna Ukanwoko of Investment Guarantee Limited, in October 2025, prior to taking possession of the facility in November 2025.

Ukanwoko had claimed in a recent interview that the state government revoked, sealed, and demolished the hotel as punishment for hosting an APC event at the property, among other allegations.

Responding to these claims, Abia State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, said the takeover was legally executed after compensation was credited to Ukanwoko’s personal account. He urged the public to disregard allegations of political persecution, describing the investor’s claims as false.

The government stated that the investor breached all terms of the agreement, which prompted the action. Kanu emphasized that discussions between the state and the investor occurred before the compensation payment.

Supporting this, Kingsley Agomuo, General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), confirmed that the payment was made in October 2025, prior to the hotel being sealed.