EX-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, says he broke no law as regards the media report that he breached Nigerian laws by engaging in businesses offshore that were not declared.
Obi was listed as one of several politicians named in Pandora Papers who set up secret businesses in tax havens.
Responding to the report yesterday, the former vice-presidential candidate said it was worthy of note that he was not accused of corruption in the report, whether in the form of diversion of public funds or in any other manner during and after his stewardship as the governor of Anambra State.
He added that the publication did not also allege that he had been engaged in unlawful business ventures at any time whatsoever.
Obi said his understanding was that the allegation bordered more on tax avoidance and non-declaration of some jointly owned assets.
He then wondered if thorough scrutiny and appreciation of all the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged transactions were made by the writers.
“On the allegation that I violated the Nigerian Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, as well as sections of the 5th Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), by not declaring any alleged assets in Companies registered outside the Nigerian Federation, I think that the authors displayed ignorance on matters of Trust and International Investment Practices,” he said.
The former governor said he did not in any respect whatsoever violate any law before, during and after his stewardship as the Governor of Anambra.
He said that in all matters relating to his investments and declaration of his personal assets, wherever they may be found, he proceeded, pursuant to professional opinions and advice of investment experts both locally and internationally.
Obi said he also engaged and acted on solicited advice by reputable legal practitioners on whose opinion he relied.
He urged all well-meaning persons to see through what he called “the hopeless sleight” and ignore the publication.
