Aiteo has hired UK-based Mishcon de Reya, one of the world’s leading legal practices with a particular proficiency in handling contentious international disputes to represent it against allegations that it maintained a corrupt relationship with Diezani Alison- Madueke, former Petroleum Resources minister.
In a statement on the company’s website, the company said that Benedict Peters, its executive vice chairman, has instructed London law firm Mishcon de Reya and Washington’s Covington & Burling to lead in ongoing efforts to address what it called ‘politically-motivated issues’.
“I maintain my position that all the allegations are baseless and without any truth whatsoever. These unfounded allegations have caused untold disruption to my family and my business. To ensure that we remain focused, I have engaged two of the world’s leading law firms to offer both counsel and guidance in dealing with these issues,” said Benedict Peters.
Peters said there is a toxic culture of politically motivated witch-hunts that stains reputations, stifles enterprise and keeps foreign investors away from our country. “For two years, I have suffered malicious, unfounded and false allegations hanging over my head.”
“This persecution is being pursued to diminish the visible endeavours to position our business, and Nigeria, at the apex of the energy industry worldwide. Despite these distractions, I remain focused on the efforts to sustain Aiteo’s growth towards becoming Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil producer. It is time to address the situation and so I have decided that I must take direct legal and other action to clear my name,” said the Aiteo boss.
In an online publication, Aiteo was accused of buying OML 29 from Shell under suspicious terms and is purportedly linked to 2015 INEC bribery scheme. Aiteo has refuted these charges and has now hired international counsel to fight the matter in a law court.
Since acquiring the assets in 1999, the company has announced production increase of 400 per cent from about 23kbpod a year ago to averaging over 90kbpod which the company says it is a testament to the technical robustness of our work force and the prudence and professionalism of our management team.
The statement says the UK-based Mishcon de Reya is one of the world’s leading legal practices with a particular proficiency in handling contentious international disputes. Covington, headquartered in Washington, DC. United States has an outstanding reputation in navigating complex legal issues at the intersection of law and policy around the world,” said the statement.
ISAAC ANYAOGU
