By ABUJA – Ambassador Emmanuel Shoon Patrick, the Chief Executive Officer of Excel Optoelectronics Company Limited (Excel-LED), has vehemently rebutted recent media reports accusing his firm of swindling the Federal Government in a multi-million naira airport contract.
In a detailed Right of Reply issued this week, Amb. Patrick described the allegations published by Daily Times and other online platforms on December 16, 2025, and February 5, 2026 as “inaccurate, misleading, and injurious” to his reputation. He further alleged that the negative publicity is not the result of investigative journalism, but the fallout of a private commercial dispute with Mr. Fidelis Anosike, the publisher of Daily Times.
The contention centers on reports claiming that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) had referred Excel-LED to the Inspector-General of Police for prosecution over the alleged diversion of funds meant for LED installations at Nigerian airports, including Port Harcourt International.
Dismissing these claims, Amb. Patrick stated that the narrative of a “government contract swindle” is false. He asserted that no effort was made by the publishers to contact him or his organization prior to publication, a move he described as a violation of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Code of Ethics and his constitutional right to a fair hearing.
“The article, as published, presents allegations and assertions that are neither supported by verifiable facts nor reflective of the true position,” Patrick stated. “Regrettably, no effort was made to seek my response prior to publication.”
However, In a twist to the saga, the Excel-LED CEO alleged that the reports were weaponized to settle a personal score. According to the statement, the dispute originated from a December 1, 2025 transaction in which Mr. Fidelis Anosike allegedly requested the supply and installation of LED screens on credit for a personal location at Port Harcourt International Airport.
Amb. Patrick claimed that when his company declined the credit request and demanded payment for the release of goods, he was met with hostility.
“When the CEO drew attention to the outstanding balance, Mr. Fidelis Anosike responded with hostility… and threatened to leverage his position as Publisher of Daily Times to publicize the dispute,” the statement read.
Patrick argued that the subsequent media coverage was a “misuse of journalistic privilege” designed to exert undue pressure rather than inform the public.
Clarifying the Transaction he provide his account of the events, Amb. Patrick states that the transaction was a private business engagement, not a Federal Government contract. He explained that a single LED unit was released to Anosike’s company, Folio Media Group Ltd., following a deposit of ₦10 million, with clear terms regarding the outstanding balance.
“It is critical to note that all VAT obligations were preserved… and no government revenue was compromised,” Patrick noted, adding that the matter is currently subject to legal proceedings.
In this vein Excel Optoelectronics has demanded an immediate retraction of the publications, an apology, and the publication of their rejoinder with the same prominence as the original offending articles.
The company warned that failure to comply would force them to pursue legal remedies, including civil proceedings for defamation and formal petitions to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the NUJ regarding the ethical breaches.
“We will not be intimidated, coerced, or subjected to reputational harm through the misuse of media platforms,” Patrick concluded.
