Andrew Utulu
A previous Port Manager at the Tin Can Island Port Complex, Mr. Sylvester Egede, has firmly rejected accusations of graft, deceit, and unlawful activities mentioned in internet articles, calling these statements untrue, harmful, and lacking both factual evidence and legal support.
In response released via his lawyer, Christopher I. Thompson from Christopher I. Thompson & Co., Egede denied all the accusations, maintaining that the reports were an intentional effort to damage his standing.
As per the legal reply, claims regarding fraud and corruption are serious offenses requiring solid and confirmable proof, rather than assumptions or guesses.
The response explicitly rejected allegations that Egede's First Bank account had a single transaction worth N511 million.
The lawyers said, 'Our client's First Bank account, utilized for his salary and associated transactions, has never experienced such volume, let alone included a single transaction worth N511,000,000 as incorrectly claimed.'
The legal representatives further refuted claims that Egede or his relatives had participated in any scheme involving improper finances via naira or dollar accounts, stating that the released details were inaccurate and likely to mislead people.
The statement also explained that Bon Appetit, a firm referenced in the articles, is owned by Egede's spouse and functions exclusively as a pastry shop.
"Bringing his wife and her independent business into the fabricated stories is not just deceptive but also cruel and intentional," the response stated.
In response to claims that Egede violated the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act by maintaining significant stakes in private firms active in the shipping and transportation industry during his tenure as a government official, the legal representatives labeled the assertion as not accurate.
They argued that a straightforward examination of documents with the Corporate Affairs Commission would show the real owners of the businesses involved.
The legal reply also challenged assertions about money being moved via Egede's account, asserting that the dates mentioned in the articles were incorrect and deceptive.
As per the legal representatives, Egede had already left the Nigerian Ports Authority following 35 years of employment prior to the reported dealings taking place.
The response emphasized Egede's background in government work, pointing out that while serving as Port Manager at the Tin Can Island Port Complex, he was instrumental in removing illegally parked large trucks from the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway area, ensuring uninterrupted access to the Lagos ports.
It mentioned that his work received praise and honors from parties involved in the shipping sector.
Reiterating Egede's dedication to openness and ethical conduct, the legal department stated that he is prepared to support any fair and legally authorized inquiry regarding the claims.
Nevertheless, it cautioned that anyone or entity continuing to disseminate what it termed misleading claims lacking solid proof could encounter legal repercussions.
It also stated: 'Our client retains the right to seek all applicable legal actions, such as initiating civil lawsuits related to defamation, slander, and false reporting.'
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).