ExxonMobil Guyana and its tier one contractors will also have to answer for the conflict of interest concerns that overshadow the recently elected Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader, Nigel Hughes. Notably, Hughes is one of the leading partners at the law firm, Hughes, Fields and Stoby which is a client of ExxonMobil.
While addressing the issue at a press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo said it is not Hughes alone who may fall under the scrutiny of investigators but Exxon may have to provide some answers too.
Jagdeo also insists that Hughes is a politically exposed person. In response, Hughes has stated that he would sever ties with ExxonMobil if elected to public office or if he assumes a significant governmental role.
Hughes has also stated that he would welcome any prode into his relations with oil companies.
Speaking to a local media house, Hughes suggested that a thorough investigation could reveal significant information.
“I welcome any probe, investigation, or Commission of Inquiry that Mr. Jagdeo wants to initiate between Exxon and myself. There is a lot of information that may come out that I think would be very useful, and I welcome it. I certainly welcome it,” Hughes said.
Hughes also clarified that while his firm represents ExxonMobil, he has never personally managed the oil company’s portfolio. “Our firm, since my father was alive and since the 1970s, has represented oil companies all the way through, even before the discovery. We have been representing oil companies, and there are different partners.
“In relation to Exxon, I can specifically say I am not the partner that manages Exxon, and I have never managed Exxon at all as a partner. The way the Firm is structured, different clients are managed by different partners and even by some Senior Associates,” he explained.
Hughes promised to provide further details on the matter at an AFC press conference scheduled for today.
