By Udeme Akpan

Aiteo Group, an indigenous Nigerian oil and gas company has set up a legal team to tackle various allegations suspected to be political in nature.

Investigations showed that Benedict Peters, Executive Vice Chairman of Aiteo Group has already instructed London law firm Mishcon de Reya and Washington’s Covington and Burling to handle the alleged politically-motivated issues. Vanguard gathered that 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. Commenting on the issues, Peters said: “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.

“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.

‘’We are an integrated energy group with a clear vision for the future and the experience and assets necessary to provide oil and gas on a regional and global scale. We discover, produce, store and deliver energy resources to marketplaces worldwide.

‘’We are working on opportunities to responsibly develop energy resources in some of the world’s most significant basins, including the huge potential of the Niger Delta basin in West Africa’s offshore fields, and of the Benue Trough.’’

The company also stated at its website that: ‘’Aiteo Group is strategically focused on these business areas, with major prospects for immediate revenue growth and market penetration.

‘’Each of these areas holds massive potential, with global focus on the future of energy generation, significant oil and gas reserves still to be found throughout Africa, and a large number of alternative revenue streams to be found in the refinement of different petroleum products and derivatives

‘’With a drive towards building a high-quality asset base and significant growth on the horizon, we’re well positioned to deliver long-term value for our stakeholders, as well as for our business partners and customers.

‘’The foundation of our growth strategy is the energy and expertise of our employees, who are committed to working with integrity as they engage and build strong links with our stakeholders in order to deliver significant mutual benefits

‘’We’re proud of our heritage and the solid reputation of our founders – and of our impeccable track record of safe, reliable and environmentally conscious energy development.’’