Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has vehemently denied allegations of a secret meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rome, as well as claims linking him to a ₦225 billion debt crisis involving Fidelity Bank. In a statement, Obi labeled these allegations as part of a malicious blackmail campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation. He emphasized that his visit to Rome was solely for spiritual purposes, including attending the lying-in-state of Pope Francis and the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV, where he briefly greeted President Tinubu among other dignitaries.
Obi also took the opportunity to clarify his relationship with Fidelity Bank, stating unequivocally that he does not own the bank. He mentioned his past role as Chairman/Director of three financial institutions, including Fidelity Bank, but stressed that the bank has over 500,000 shareholders, none of whom hold a majority stake. This clarification comes amidst swirling rumors that sought to link him directly to the bank's financial operations.
The former Anambra State governor expressed his dismay over the spread of false information, attributing it to individuals engaged in blackmail. He warned that such actions not only harm his reputation but also cause undue distress to the employees and shareholders of Fidelity Bank. Obi's statement reflects his frustration with the continuous attempts to undermine his character through baseless allegations.
In closing, Obi extended a prayer to those behind the smear campaign, hoping they would find gratitude and understanding in their lives. His response underscores the challenges public figures face in combating misinformation and the importance of setting the record straight in the face of unfounded accusations.
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