"Unethical Practices in International Lobbying: The Case of Moran Global Strategies and Arman Dabiri & Associates"

 UNETHICAL PRACTICES IN INTERNATIONAL LOBBYING: THE CASE OF MORAN GLOBAL STRATEGIES AND ARMAN DABIRI & ASSOCIATES  

By: Mazi Obinna Victor Uzoaganaobi 

INTRODUCTION   The ethical foundation of lobbying is predicated on transparency, integrity, and the pursuit of legal advocacy for client interests. However, recent revelations concerning the actions of international lobbying firms, namely Moran Global Strategies (MGS) led by Mr. Elias Gerasoulis and the Law Offices of Arman Dabiri & Associates, P.L.L.C, have cast a shadow over these principles. These firms have continued their professional engagement with Mr. Isaiah Harrison Anyaogu, under the alias Mr. Ogechukwu Nkere, despite the evident use of a false identity, which fundamentally undermines the ethical standards of lobbying and legal practice.  

THE ETHICAL BREACH AND LEGAL IMPLICATIONS   The core issue at hand is the maintenance of contractual relationships with an individual using a pseudonym, which contravenes the ethical and compliance standards of legal practice. The obligation to perform due diligence is not merely a suggestion but a necessity to mitigate reputational damage and prevent legal risks associated with clients of questionable legitimacy. Mr. Anyaogu's use of the alias "Ogechukwu Nkere" in official documentation, including contracts with MGS and the Law Offices of Arman Dabiri & Associates, represents a significant breach of trust and legal protocol.   

HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND INITIAL AGREEMENT   Initially, the involvement of these firms with the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile (BRGIE), where H.E. Prime Minister Simon Ekpa was a key signatory, may have seemed legitimate. MGS's contract with BRGIE is registered with the United States Department of Justice, highlighting its formal recognition. However, the revelation that "Ogechukwu Nkere" was not the real identity of one of BRGIE's principal agents should have triggered an immediate reassessment of the contractual relationship. The failure to do so not only undermines the integrity of these firms but also poses potential legal challenges under laws that regulate lobbying activities and identity verification.  

INCONSISTENCIES IN STATEMENTS AND ACTIONS   Mr. Elias Gerasoulis's statements have shown significant inconsistencies. His claim to work 'behind the scenes' to avoid further inflaming social media conflicts contradicts his actions, particularly his accusations against Dr. Ngozi Orabueze of forming a parallel government. This claim is especially perplexing given his presence and active participation at the Biafra ReDeclaration convention in Finland, where the transition from BRGIE to the United States of Biafra (USB) was explicitly discussed and supported by Prime Minister Simon Ekpa.   

THIS RAISES SEVERAL CRITICAL QUESTIONS:  Was the objective at the convention to remain as BRGIE or to transition to USB?  

Did Mr. Gerasoulis not send an SOS to Prime Minister Ekpa regarding questionable actions by Raphael Chiamaka Ajaere, indicating awareness of dubious activities within the group?  

Why continue association with individuals like Anyaogu and Ajaere, who are suspected of undermining the official proceedings for personal gain?  

THE CONSEQUENCES OF MISGUIDED ALLIANCES   The ongoing relationship with individuals operating under pseudonyms like Anyaogu not only tarnishes the reputation of the involved lobbying firms but also misleads the Biafran community they purport to serve. This action suggests a possible compromise in ethical judgment for possibly personal or financial gain, which is antithetical to the role of a lobbyist as an advocate for truth and transparency.  

 CONCLUSION   The ethical and legal integrity of Moran Global Strategies and the Law Offices of Arman Dabiri & Associates is now under scrutiny. By failing to terminate contracts upon discovering the fraudulent identity of one of their clients, these firms have not only breached ethical norms but have also potentially violated legal standards that govern their operations. This situation underscores the need for rigorous client verification processes and a recommitment to ethical standards in lobbying.   The Biafran community, represented by figures like Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, who advocate for maintaining the structural integrity established by Simon Ekpa, deserves representatives who uphold their interests without deceit or compromise. Mr. Gerasoulis and Mr. Dabiri must reflect on their roles, reconsider their client relationships, and realign with the ethical mandates of their profession to restore trust and integrity in their practice.   

CALL TO ACTION   It is imperative for these firms to reassess their practices, engage in transparent dialogue with their Biafran clients, and uphold the ethical standards that define their profession. Only through such actions can they begin to mend the trust they have evidently broken with those they serve. The spirit of Biafra's restoration movement demands no less than complete integrity and transparency from its advocates.