How Governor Alex Otti Paid Law Firm Owned By ‘Friend Who Donated Buses For His Campaign ₦50 million as contract negotiation fees(DOCUMENT) | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Public Outrage as Abia Governor Alex Otti Spends ₦50 Million On Contract Negotiation (DOCUMENT) | #NwokeukwuMascot

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In a shocking revelation, the administration of Governor Alex Otti of Abia State is embroiled in controversy following the disclosure of a staggering ₦50 million payment made to a law firm, Ken Ahia, SAN & Associates, for the negotiation and review of a single road contract. 

This fee, presented as “discounted professional fees,” has sparked widespread condemnation across various quarters, with critics questioning the appropriateness of such expenditure at a time when the state is grappling with economic challenges.

The documents obtained, dated 5th October 2023, show correspondence between the Abia State Ministry of Justice and the law firm. The professional fee was for negotiating and drafting the road contract agreement for the state’s reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, Aba. The Ministry, led by the Attorney General, Ikechukwu Uwanna, sought the approval of Governor Otti for the disbursement of ₦50 million, which was later inflated to ₦60 million, following further negotiations.

The letter from Uwanna specifically noted the complexity of the transaction, justifying the high fee for securing the “best possible rate” for the road project. Yet, this rationale has been met with criticism, with many seeing the payment as an unnecessary financial burden placed on the state for what should be a routine governmental procedure.

Civil society organizations, as well as concerned citizens of Abia, have expressed dismay at what they deem excessive spending on the part of the government. Many are particularly aggrieved given the economic difficulties that have plagued the state, leading to layoffs, delays in payment of workers’ salaries, and a general downturn in infrastructure development.

“This is a clear example of wasteful governance,” a local activist stated. “Abia State is facing a myriad of issues, including poor road infrastructure and a failing economy, and yet the government finds it appropriate to spend this kind of money on mere contract negotiation.”

Governor Otti, who came into office with promises of prudence and responsible governance, has faced increasing criticism over similar lavish expenditures since his assumption of office. Critics argue that his administration has not been transparent about its fiscal activities, and this revelation only adds to the growing distrust in his leadership.

While there is Ministry of Justice to secure professional services, many Abians has wondered why the state government chose a private law firm for such sensitive matters further raising calls for thorough audit of all state expenditures, particularly in contract negotiations, to prevent potential wastage of public funds.

However, www.nwokeukwumascot.com has gathered that the law firm, Ken Ahia, SAN & Associates is owned by Governor Otti’s political ally and friend, Mr Kenneth Ahia, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

In 2022, Ahia donated two buses for Otti’s governorship campaign in the 2023 election. According to AfNews, the buses were handed over by the lawyer to Otti in Umuasua community, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.

Photo: Alex Otti Test Running The Donated Vehicle

The lawyer was reported to have noted that the vehicles were to aid Otti and his campaign team take their developmental messages to the grassroots and Abians at large.  Ahia was also one of the lawyers who represented Otti at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in the state.

The incident has cast a shadow over Governor Otti’s administration, raising questions about fiscal responsibility and the priorities of the government in addressing the pressing needs of the state. As public outrage grows, all eyes are now on how the government will address the concerns and justify its spending.