Economist Pat Utomi accuses former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun of violating contracts, leading to the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets by a French court. Utomi shares his own experience of financial loss due to Amosun's actions, raising concerns about governance and Nigeria's international reputation.
In a recent public statement, renowned economist Pat Utomi accused former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun of violating a significant contract, leading to severe repercussions for both Nigerian and foreign entities. Utomi’s allegations stem from Amosun’s decision to cancel a deal with the Chinese firm Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, which Amosun claimed had presented false documents. This cancellation led to a French court ruling in favor of the Chinese company, ultimately resulting in the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets.
Utomi, sharing his own experience, revealed that he too suffered under Amosun’s administration. He detailed how a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement he had with the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC) was abruptly halted when Amosun assumed office. Despite attempts to resolve the issue through various political channels, including reaching out to prominent leaders and the current Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Utomi’s efforts were in vain. He expressed frustration over the financial losses and the strain on his partnership with South African investors, highlighting the broader implications of Amosun's actions on both local and international relations.
Utomi’s narrative underscores a broader theme of political and contractual instability, raising questions about governance and the long-term impact of such decisions on Nigeria's international reputation.
