A former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi on Monday refuted claims making the rounds on different social media platforms over an invitation extended to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He affirmed that a reaction which quoted him as requesting the EFCC to make their investigations public, among other remarks did not emanate from him.
The former Vice Presidential candidate said he has not received any invitation from the agency in connection with the Pandora paper leak.
This was made known in a press release by his media aide, Valentine Obienyem, noting that he only read letters circulating on the internet, just like everyone else.
“Obi is yet to receive the letter from the EFCC, which he read on social media like others.
“From what is circulating, the letter appears to have been sent to an office he is no longer part of and is yet to reach him.”
According to Obi, “being a law-abiding Nigerian, would honour all legitimate invitations from government agencies at all times,” he added.
Peter Obi, had been invited earlier by the EFCC over allegations in the Pandora Papers, a report by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).
According to reports, Obi was invited to report at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters in Abuja on October 27.
The Pandora Papers had alleged that Obi failed to fully declare his assets to Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
The former governor was also alleged to have set up a discreet company in the British Virgin Island, and named the company Gabriella Investments Limited, after his daughter. According to the leaks, Obi allegedly contracted Acces International, a secrecy enabler in Monaco, France, to help him incorporate an offshore entity in one of the world’s most notorious tax havens known for providing conduits for wealthy and privileged corrupt political elites to hide stolen cash.
However, the former governor, who reacted on a national television, refuted the allegations, saying all his offshore companies were set up from the proceeds of his business, in which he had engaged before venturing into politics.