Attack on Okotete personal, sponsored by her detractors, say lawyers

A law firm, Dinju, Fashe & Co, has described the recent attack on the Executive Director, Business Development of the Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM), Hon Stella Okotete, as sponsored by her political enemies who are bent on ridiculing her.

The firm added that Okotete, who is eminently qualified for the role, said Nigerians already know that it is corruption that is fighting back.

In a statement issued by the law firm, on Monday in Abuja, said there is no provision in the NEXIM act that lays out the qualifications for appointment of Executive Directors but left it at the prerogative of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to the firm, the bank has stated categorically that Okotete has performed creditably well in her capacity as the Executive Director, Business Development in the last five years.

The statement signed by the Principal Partner of the firm, Barrister Fashe Olakunle, Esq expressed disappointment that his learned colleagues led such a protest without conducting due diligence on what the Act establishing NEXIM Bank stated as regards the appointment of Directors.

He argued further that section 14 (p1) a,b and c of Nexim act stated that the bank shall be exempted from provisions of banks and other financial institutions act (BOFIA), among others particularly section 47 of BOFIA.

The statement reads in part: "It is high time Nigerians stopped politicising the issues of appointment in this country and making a mountain out of a mole hill. It has taken whoever is behind the attack on Hon Stella Okotete five good years to wake up from his or her slumber.

"This is a woman who has shown dedication to her duties, encouraged thousand other women who have taken career paths. Apart from the testament from the bank itself that she has been the brain behind some of her policies and has successfully implemented the Bank policies which has led to growth and profitability for the Bank.

"I want to urge those behind this personal attack on her to desist from it and allow her continue with her good work, we should always make reference to and rely on RELEVANT Laws."

We will voluntarily proceed with legal suit against Hassan for defamation of character and cyber billing".