Breaking News: Governor Alex Otti Admits Paying Law Firm Owned by ‘Friend Who Donated Buses for His Campaign’ ₦50 Million as Contract Negotiation Fees (AUDIO) | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has admitted to paying ₦50 million to his personal lawyer, Ken Ahia, SAN, for negotiating and drafting a road contract agreement. This confirmation came through his spokesman, Ferdinand Ekeoma, during a live interview on Magic FM Aba, broadcast on Friday morning. Ekeoma, who sought to clarify the growing controversy surrounding the payment, insisted that the fee was appropriate, describing it as a “professional service” rendered by Ken Ahia’s firm for the state’s road contract agreements.

The revelation has sparked widespread outrage, with critics pointing to what they consider an excessive and unwarranted expenditure of public funds for contract negotiations. The payment, initially revealed in a previous report by this journal, raised concerns across Abia State when documents surfaced showing the Abia State Ministry of Justice had approved a discounted professional fee of ₦50 million to Ken Ahia, SAN & Associates, for handling the negotiation and drafting of a contract to reconstruct Port Harcourt Road, Aba.

In our earlier report, we disclosed that the Ministry of Justice, led by Attorney General Ikechukwu Uwanna, had sought approval for the hefty payment under the guise of a discounted professional fee. The documents also suggested that the fee was later inflated to ₦60 million after further consultations. This revelation sparked outrage across the state, with many questioning the rationale behind the use of such a substantial sum for mere contract negotiations.

Civil society groups and political analysts have criticized Governor Otti’s administration for prioritizing hefty payments to private individuals, including his personal lawyer, while the state continues to grapple with dire economic conditions. Workers in several sectors have been protesting over unpaid salaries and the state’s deteriorating infrastructure, yet the government found room to approve millions for legal services.

One prominent critic remarked, “It is alarming to see such a large sum being paid for routine administrative work. What kind of negotiation requires ₦50 million? This is yet another case of public funds being funneled into private pockets under the guise of professional services.”

Listen to Ferdinand Ekeoma’s Assertions Below 👇🏽 

Additionally, www.nwokeukwumascot.com has gathered that the law firm, Ken Ahia, SAN & Associates, is owned by Mr. Kenneth Ahia, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who is not only a legal associate but also a key political supporter of the governor.

In 2022, Kenneth Ahia demonstrated his political support for Otti by donating two campaign buses during the latter’s 2023 governorship bid. According to AfNews, the donation was made in Umuasua community, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, where Ahia personally handed over the buses to Otti as part of efforts to bolster his campaign logistics.

Photo: Alex Otti Test running the buses in 2022 

Governor Otti, who came into office with promises of financial prudence, has seen his administration come under increasing scrutiny over allegations of misappropriation and excessive government spending. This latest revelation regarding the contract fee has fueled more questions about the transparency and accountability of his government’s financial dealings.

In his defense, spokesman Ferdinand Ekeoma argued that the payment was justified, citing the legal complexities involved in negotiating contracts of this magnitude. “Ken Ahia is a legal professional, and the expertise required for this project warranted such a fee. We are ensuring that the state gets the best possible outcome,” he said during the interview.

However, this explanation has done little to quell public anger. “The people of Abia want roads, not hefty legal fees,” another critic said. “With the poor state of infrastructure and the hardship people are facing, this is a slap in the face to every Abian.”

As the backlash continues to grow, civil society organizations and concerned citizens are demanding a full audit of the state’s financial dealings under Governor Otti. Many are urging the governor to reconsider his approach to governance and place more focus on delivering on his campaign promises of economic recovery and infrastructural development.

In our previous report, we emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability in handling public funds. This recent admission by the governor’s spokesman only amplifies the call for immediate reforms in the government’s approach to contracting and fiscal responsibility.

With the spotlight now on Governor Otti’s administration, many are eagerly awaiting further responses from both the governor and the Ministry of Justice regarding the nature of these professional services and whether such fees are truly in the best interest of Abia State.

Governor Alex Otti’s decision to pay ₦50 million to his personal lawyer for negotiating a road contract has raised serious questions about his administration’s financial priorities. While his spokesman, Ferdinand Ekeoma, insists that the fee was necessary, the public remains largely unconvinced. As the calls for accountability grow louder, the governor’s administration will need to provide clear answers and take steps to regain the trust of the people of Abia State.