Former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has vehemently denied fresh allegations linking him to a controversial meeting with President Bola Tinubu and a purported debt crisis involving Fidelity Bank.
Obi, in a strong statement issued Thursday, described the claims as “baseless, malicious, and entirely false.”
He expressed dismay at what he called a growing industry of blackmail fueled by individuals paid to attack his reputation at all costs.
The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections specifically refuted claims that he traveled to Rome to privately discuss a N225 billion debt crisis with President Tinubu, calling the story a fabrication by a “self-proclaimed blackmailer-in-chief.”
“It’s obvious that the biggest business for blackmailers now is talking about Peter Obi from every negative perspective. Even my solemn spiritual trip to Rome has been twisted into yet another blackmail campaign,” he said.
Obi explained that his recent visit to Rome was strictly spiritual, attending the lying-in-state of Pope Francis on May 9 and later the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV.
He clarified that his only contact with President Tinubu occurred briefly at Saint Peter’s Basilica, describing it as a momentary exchange of pleasantries, not a private audience.
“I have never sought an audience with, nor met, President Tinubu since he assumed office. At the Vatican, I was seated behind him and respectfully greeted him and other dignitaries present,” he affirmed.
Addressing further accusations about his alleged ownership of Fidelity Bank, Obi stated unequivocally that he is not the owner of the bank and never has been.
He acknowledged that he served as Chairman or Director of three financial institutions in his career, including Fidelity, but emphasized that the bank is publicly owned by over 500,000 shareholders, none of whom control a majority stake.
“What this blackmailer seeks is to harm these hard-working Nigerians and cause them needless distress,” he said.
Obi added a moral reflection, praying for his detractors to find gratitude and truth.
“May God grant you the virtues of gratitude and understanding to know that we came here with nothing and will go with nothing, and that they cannot profit from their evil ways,” he said.
