Ikuli Defends Azikel Boss, Faults Critics Over Dispute Involving Two Bayelsa Youths
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ikuli expressed concern that while efforts are being made by concerned Bayelsans and other stakeholders to peacefully resolve the dispute, some individuals have allegedly chosen to politicize the matter instead of supporting reconciliation.
According to him, Dr. Eruani's intentions toward the two young men have remained positive, contrary to claims being circulated in the public space. He disclosed that he had seen several correspondences between Azikel Group and aviation academies in the United States, which he said were aimed at securing admission opportunities for the two youths.
Ikuli noted that the aviation industry is highly regulated worldwide, with stringent admission procedures that often require considerable time to complete due to the safety-sensitive nature of the profession.
He described Dr. Eruani as a philanthropist who has dedicated more than two decades to empowering people through various humanitarian initiatives, adding that it was unfortunate that his efforts were being misconstrued.
The stakeholder further praised the Azikel Group chairman for what he described as his humility and accessibility despite his achievements, stressing that the businessman has contributed significantly to economic development through investments in refining, aviation, dredging, and other sectors that have created employment opportunities for both Nigerians and expatriates.
Ikuli also criticized what he termed coordinated attempts to tarnish the image of the businessman, arguing that such efforts were unfair to someone he described as one of the Ijaw Nation's leading ambassadors.
He specifically referenced Arc. Miebi Bribena, who reportedly announced plans to assemble a legal team in relation to the dispute, urging him and others to focus on promoting dialogue and reconciliation rather than engaging in public attacks.
Drawing a comparison with Bribena's reported experience with the Baraza Cooperative initiative, Ikuli argued that good intentions can sometimes be misunderstood and urged stakeholders to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions.
He further alleged that while Azikel Group was pursuing aviation training opportunities for Kariyai Daukoru and Ebilatei Amabebe, the two individuals resigned from the company and subsequently embarked on what he described as a campaign of blackmail against both the company and its chairman.
Ikuli maintained that rather than encouraging further confrontation, those involved should prevail on all parties to embrace dialogue, retract inflammatory publications where necessary, and create room for an amicable resolution of the issues.
He called on all stakeholders to support peaceful engagement and avoid actions capable of undermining efforts aimed at resolving the dispute.
