Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Philip Agbese has explained why he didn’t wait for his seven days ultimatum before taking Tigran Gamaryam, Head of Financial Crime Compliance of Binance to court over allegation of bribery against him and some others.
Agbese made his position known in a press statement he personally signed and sent to journalists across the country this evening.
The press statement reads:
On February 10, 2025, I issued a seven-day ultimatum to Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, to retract his defamatory claims and apologise for falsely accusing me of demanding a bribe from Binance. This egregious allegation was a clear attempt to tarnish my reputation and undermine my integrity.
As reported by the New York Times on May 7, 2024, Binance initially claimed that “unknown persons” had approached them for a bribe on behalf of the Committee on Economic and Financial Crimes. At the time, I did not see fit to join the lawsuit filed by Hon. Ginger Onwusibe against Binance, as the allegations did not specifically mention my name.
However, when Gambaryan recently repeated the allegation, categorically mentioning my name, I knew I had to take swift and decisive action. It became expedient to go to court to protect my reputation and defend my integrity.
Just three days after issuing the ultimatum, Monday, February 17, 2025, I instituted legal proceedings against Gambaryan. My decision to take action was motivated by the need to protect my reputation, not just as an individual, but also as a distinguished Congressman and a representative of my country.
Unfortunately, the accuser, Gambaryan, has shown no remorse for his actions. Instead of apologising, he has chosen to remain silent, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. As an African, family is at the heart of our culture. I have a larger family and more loved ones to care for than Gambaryan, and I will not let his baseless allegations go unchallenged.
Therefore, Gambaryan must come to court to substantiate his false claims or pay the compensation I have demanded. I’m seeking compensation not for personal gain but a token of accountability, serving as a deterrent to others who would seek to damage reputations and undermine trust in our society. I’m confident that the courts will uphold the truth and hold Gambaryan accountable for his actions.
Signed;
Rep Philip Agbese, LLB[UK], MBA[UK], LLM[UK]
Abuja, Monday, February 17, 2025