Election Cases: Dispute Arises Over Alleged N40 Million Legal Fee Owed By Gombe Governor

A dispute has emerged between lawyers from Steel Attorneys and the Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, as well as the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC), over an alleged unpaid legal fee totaling N40 million.

The Director-General of Press Affairs at the Gombe State Government House, Ismaila Misilli, refuted the claim, stating that there was no record of engagement between the governor or the APC with the said law firm regarding legal representation at the Election Tribunal, Court of Appeal, or the Supreme Court.

However, the lawyers insist that they provided legal services in a case brought against the governor and the APC by Jibrin Barde and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The suit alleged that Governor Yahaya, who sought re-election, presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), thereby disqualifying him from contesting as the APC candidate in the 2023 gubernatorial election.

An engagement letter from the APC’s acting Head of Legal Services, Ojochogwu Aiyejina, confirmed the firm’s representation of the governor in the matter, with the understanding that he would be responsible for the legal fees.

Despite reminders sent to the governor regarding the outstanding amount owed, no response or action has been taken. The most recent letter, dated March 28, 2024, reiterated the demand for payment within seven days, warning of legal action if the sum remains unpaid.

Efforts to reach the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Gombe State, Zubairu Umar (aka Chiroman Gombe), for clarification on the matter were unsuccessful. The National Legal Adviser of the APC, Prof. Abdul Kana, also could not be reached for comment.

The dispute underscores the complexity surrounding legal fees and contractual obligations, with both parties asserting their positions amidst allegations and counterclaims.