Olu Samuel, Lokoja
A coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria, CSGs has condemned what it called “the unwarranted media attacks” on Businessman and philanthropist of note, Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun depicting him as a corrupt Clearing and forwarding agent.
In a Press Conference held on Wednesday in Lokoja, the spokesperson of the coalition, Alvin Ahmed, Executive Secretary of The Centre for ethical conduct orientation and empowerment,
said, the coalition which is made of fifteen Civil Society Organisations decided to come together to strongly refute the ‘unfounded allegations” against Alhaji Ibrahim Dende which is capable of disparaging him in the minds of right thinking members of the society.
He said that “the exemplary contributions of Alhaji Ibrahim Dende to community development and philanthropic disposition through his IBD Foundation made him a great asset to humanity, a feat that should not be allowed to be toyed by misquided politicians”.
The spokesperson of the group, said “the longstanding disposition and dedication to uplifting society and improving the lives of vulnerable in the society through various welfare programs, donations, and infrastructure projects, could make him an envy to the the unscrupulous persons” .
Alvin Ahmed lamented that some unprofessional Journalists, hiding under the cover of social media platforms to launch malicious, slanderous, and defamatory imputations against him ought to be condemned by all right-thinking Nigerians.
He wondered how persons who purported to be investigative Journalists would descend into the pit to exhume pictures of events that happened many years ago and depict him negotiating in an unwholesome transaction.
He warned those pretending to be Journalists to do hatchet man jobs must be cautious of their actions which could pitch them with the law of the land.
He pointed out that Alhaji. Ibrahim Dende, a certified Customs licensed Clearing and Forwarding Agent has been conducting his businesses within the ambit of the law.
The coalition noted that Alhaji Ibrahim Dende whose business interests cut across all sectors of the economy and have built reputations over the years would not stoop too low as to be caught negotiating illegal transactions with men of the Nigeria Customs Service, whom he has been having robust business relationships within ethical bounds.
The coalition, however, condemned the damage inflicted on the journalism profession by those behind the baseless accusations, warning them to uphold the sanctity of truth, integrity, and accountability in the practice of the Journalism profession.
The coalition called on the perpetrators of the gutter Journalism to retract and tender public apologies to be published in reputable Newspapers or reputable online News media, as failure to comply would attract legal actions against them.
“We call on the general public especially those who have benefited from his humanitarian gestures to rise against those arbs of Journalists paid to do hatchet jobs for their principals”. He added.