Ibeto Group has debunked media claims that the company was owing the Chairman of Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited, Chief Daniel Chukwudozie, $3 million.
Chief Chukwudozie had accused Dr Ibeto of orchestrating a misinformation campaign to the effect that all disputes between them had been settled, and that the Rivers State High Court confirmed his ownership of 22.6 hectares of land at Reclamation Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In a statement, the Ibeto Group said Chief Daniel Chukwudozie failed to refer the public to the alleged Ibeto campaigns simply because Dr Ibeto is engaged with far more substantial responsibilities than play at Chief Chukwudozie’s pedestrian level.
The Ibeto Group said Chief Chukwudozie, having elected to dispute the transactions he had with Dr. Ibeto, proceeded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Rivers State High Court to ventilate his claims.
The Group said that while the EFCC concluded their investigation and did not find any merit in Chief Chukwudozie’s illusory claim of debt of $3 million, the Rivers State High Court in its judgment also refused to agree with Chief Chukwudozie on the finding of $3 million.
“Dissatisfied with the outcomes, Chief Chukwudozie and Dozzy Oil & Gas Limited proceeded to the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, where the matter is presently pending. But rather than await the decision of the appellate court, Chief Chukwudozie resorted to media propaganda, apparently in pursuit of cheap publicity and with the calculated intent to discredit Dr. Ibeto.
“In light of the foregoing, it is evident that if Chief Chukwudozie genuinely believed in the strength of his allegations, the appropriate place to canvass them would be before the appellate court, not in the court of public opinion. The continued media commentary on matters already submitted to judicial determination is reckless, prejudicial, and calculated to mislead the public.
“While it may be conceded that Chief Chukwudozie personally appears unfamiliar with the grave implications of litigating active court matters through the media, it is astonishing that his legal advisers would permit him to persist in a course of conduct that displays a blatant disregard for judicial propriety, legal restraint, and the sanctity of due process, thereby exposing himself to avoidable legal consequences.
“It is equally apparent that the true motivation behind Chief Chukwudozie’s intemperate outbursts is envy, cloaked in bravado. This is a matter over which Dr. Ibeto exercises neither control nor concern,” the Group said.
The Group insisted that no volume of hostile publications can alter the incontrovertible fact that Dr. Ibeto has mentored, empowered, and produced countless young Nigerians who operate at the same and indeed higher levels than Chief Chukwudozie himself, who is, in fact, a beneficiary of Dr. Ibeto’s mentorship and empowerment. “Dr. Ibeto’s enduring track record speaks louder than any paid headline.”
The Group advised Chief Daniel Chukwudozie to respect the Rule of Law, desist from further campaigns of calumny, and allow the courts to discharge their constitutional duty without interference. “Wisdom, restraint, and lawful conduct remain the enduring hallmarks of credible business leadership,” the Group said.
