Details: Ex- M.D Ibrahim Mai Deribe Disowns Alleged Cavendish Petroleum Statement Blackmailing Petroleum Minister Timpre Silva

Eniola Adeniyi

Ibrahim Mai Deribe, the former Managing Director of Oil firm Cavendish has disowned a statement he allegedly signed blackmailing Petroleum Minister Timpre Silva to allow for a repossession of oil block OML 110.

“.I have not authored any such statement in any capacity – personal or otherwise. I have also not caused another to write on my behalf neither have I had any just or probable cause to author such false, misleading and malicious statements with respect to the revoked OML110.” Alhaji Mai Deribe asserted in a statement made available to societynow.ng.

“I had also ceased to be the Managing Director of Cavendish Petroleum for a long time so to attribute a statement from me in that capacity or otherwise should be seen for what it is – a disdainful, calculated attempt by unscrupulous agents to mislead, malign and impugn on my integrity and that of others so mentioned for whatever sinister reasons.” the former headman of the oil firm in the eye of the storm explained.

Mai Deribe’s reaction comes in the face of reports linking him to a statement alleging massive corruption against Sylva and threatening to release embarrassing materials against the minister if Cavendish is not allowed to repossess OML 110 by “10\3\2021” (March 10, 2021).

OML 110 reportedly situated in southwest offshore Ondo state was previously operated by Cavendish before its ownership was revoked , alongside other four oil blocks in 2019 over issues revolving around outstanding debts.

The attempts to repossess the lucrative oil block by Cavendish has turned messy and included a report blackmailing the minister for petroleum based on a statement signed by Mai Deribe which has been disowned by the former Managing Director.

Mai Deribe’s reaction to the Cavendish Petroleum statement he allegedly signed reads in full

PUBLIC DISCLAIMER

My attention has been drawn to a statement with respect to OML110 and published online.

This libelous statement purportedly originated from Cavendish Petroleum Limited and was allegedly authored by me whilst also falsely claiming that I, Alhaji Ibrahim Mai Deribe signed in the capacity of Managing Director.

I, Alhaji Ibrahim Mai Deribe, wish to state the following:

I have not authored any such statement in any capacity – personal or otherwise. I have also not caused another to write on my behalf neither have I had any just or probable cause to author such false, misleading and malicious statements with respect to the revoked OML110.

I had also ceased to be the Managing Director of Cavendish Petroleum for a long time so to attribute a statement from me in that capacity or otherwise should be seen for what it is – a disdainful, calculated attempt by unscrupulous agents to mislead, malign and impugn on my integrity and that of others so mentioned for whatever sinister reasons.

I completely dissociate myself from the false statement attributed to me and subsequent malicious report published on some faceless online sites without any proof to back it up whatsoever. The statement is highly libelous in its entirety.

As far as I am aware, these malicious statements and report are not reflective of my opinion, thoughts or the true state of things based on the facts available.

Further, to the best of my knowledge, neither Cavendish Petroleum or anyone associated with the company has authorized or caused the publication of the said false statements.

I therefore wish to inform the public and other stakeholders that the purported statement is malicious against the persons mentioned, false, misleading and did not originate from me in any capacity.

I fully dissociate myself from the purported, false and malicious report and urge the unsuspecting public and all stakeholders to disregard the statement in its entirety as I will not hesitate to pursue all legal means to prevent and protect my name and reputation from any further misuse and/or misrepresentation – in any capacity.

SIGNED: _____________________________Alhaji Ibrahim Mai Deribe

Former Managing Director, Cavendish Petroleum