The proprietor and head of an architectural firm, Otto Trinity Studios, in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Ubokutom Nyah, has instituted two legal actions against the state Government and two of its parastatals over non-payment of debts.
The architect in the two separate suits filed in an Uyo High Court is demanding the sum of over N261million for services rendered in the architectural designs among other things for the construction of two building complex in the state.
Joined in suit no. HU/323/2017 which Mr. Nyah is demanding the payment of N42 million was the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Service Commission.
Also joined in suit no. Hu/324/2017 which he is demanding the sum of over N219 million was the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC).
Seven lawyers from the law chamber of Star Attorneys, Uyo, led by Ndifreke Akpan, filed the two suits both dated November 6, 2017 on behalf of their client.
Mr. Nyah in an affidavit in support of his claims alleged that his architectural firm was duly contacted on May 7, 2012 by the State Government to provide architectural designs and mechanical/consultancy services for the building of the State House of Assembly complex.
He averred that since the completion of the work and same duly verified and confirmed, he had not been paid despite series of negotiations with the respondents for the payment.
In a 20 paragraphs affidavit, the claimant said he was accordingly forced to seek the legal services to enable him recover the debt for the work so executed and services rendered since 2012.
Similarly, Nyah in another 17 paragraphs affidavit deposed of said the respondents equally hired the services of his firm to design the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Complex in May 15, 2014 at an agreed fee.
On completion, he said the total cost of work was put at over N219 million which covered architects, structural engineers, mechanical/electrical engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers and reimbursable expenses.
According to him, since then, the respondents have not responded to the series of demands for the payment; which therefore caused his going to court.
