Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kenneth Ahia addresses recent online allegations regarding legal fees in Abia State, calling the claims baseless and defending the right to client-lawyer trust. Ahia explains the importance of experience and trust in legal engagements and dismisses the accusations as a misguided attempt to blackmail.
In a statement addressing recent online allegations surrounding the legal representation of Abia State, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kenneth Ahia has spoken out, dismissing the claims as a baseless and orchestrated attempt to discredit his firm and the Abia State Government. According to Ahia, the controversy involves criticisms about legal fees and accusations that Governor Alex Otti favors Ahia’s firm exclusively for legal matters in the state.
Ahia SAN highlighted that client, whether government or private entities, have the unquestionable right to select any law firm they trust. “Trust is something earned over time,” Ahia stated, underscoring that his firm’s fees reflect the complexity of the cases, legal skill, and value provided.
In his response, Ahia called out the online accusations as an orchestrated campaign, intended to manipulate public perception. He attributed the campaign to those who seek to benefit financially from the government. One of the driving forces behind the smear campaign, he alleged, holds unauthorized government documents, allegedly using them to blackmail and cyberbully for personal gain.
Referring to an ongoing defamation lawsuit, Kenneth Ahia revealed that some of these accusations may be linked to political animosities. “I am aware the main figure in this campaign is supported by an Abia North politician who has issues with me,” Kenneth Ahia added, hinting at potential motives behind the online criticism.
Ahia’s statement included a word of caution to young internet users, urging them to be cautious about the content they engage with or share online, as defamation and legal consequences can follow. He further defended the Abia State Government’s cost-effectiveness, citing an agreed-upon legal fee of N50 million—considerably lower than what is generally charged in cases of this magnitude.
According to Kenneth Ahia, any continued public accusations will be handled within his legal rights, emphasizing that he stands prepared to counter any attempts at defamation. The statement reiterates the firm’s and the governor’s commitment to integrity, stating that Governor Otti will not succumb to blackmail.
Read Full Article By Kenneth Ahia SAN:
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.
By. Kenneth Ahia SAN
To all my friends forwarding to me the trending orchestrated online onslaught against my firm and the government of Abia state, I say one thing, silence is the best answer in certain situations.
I believe that clients , government or otherwise have unfettered right to brief any law firm of their choice and only the ones they can trust. Trust is earned over time . A legal fee is charged based on the complexity of the matter, the experience or skill of the lawyer, the quality of opposition and mostly the value of the issue under consideration.
Dr. Alex Otti is stingy with payment of fees right from his days in the bank and a very prudent manager of funds and resources. Whatever fees paid to any firm must be earned.
WHAT IS THIS WHOLE THING ABOUT.?
This is not the first time briefs are assigned to external solicitors. The brain behind this story has other government stolen documents in his possession. The intention is blackmail, cyber stalking and bullying. It is a campaign intended to achieve a purpose which has failed. My friends wonder why such an issue of payment of legal fee is sustained , heavily funded and widely circulated online with different twist. What exactly is the big deal here.
In a few days the reasons will be clear to discerning minds.
Few days ago, trial commenced in a defamation suit I filed against one of the publishers of a defamatory article against me. That article the subject of the defamation came from the same source as this.
I am reviewing my course of action as I can see that desperation drives some people crazy.
If you think you can blackmail the governor, think again. He does not succumb to blackmail.
The governor is not influenced by friends or family, he takes informed decisions.
The major brain behind this campaign approached me to complain that the governor has not done anything for him and that “ you guys are chopping alone”.
In response, I responded that I am not aware of chopping. That I am briefed to defend the state in some matters . I am aware that he has records of all the cases my firm is handling for the state and has said that much to me.
He knows the issues, maybe one day he may be suicidal enough to publish them because it leads back to his cohorts. These attacks are tied to one of those cases. He found funding from an Abia North politician who has issues with me.
I will say no more at this stage. I have legal options available to me which I would explore at the right time.
My only advice to the young ones out there seeking attention to their pages is to be cautious of what you share or publish.
The government briefed the law office of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and negotiated a paltry sum of N50m as against hundreds of millions which ordinarily would have been payable. You said he briefed his lawyer? Really? If so they briefed someone they have confidence in. Someone he has worked with in the past and can trust.
If you have a problem with that, when you are sued, brief your enemy. Thanks.
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