Former presidential aide and political commentator, Reno Omokri, has accused former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, of financial recklessness and corruption during his time in office. The allegations were made in a strongly worded public letter addressed to Obi, following comments by the former governor on President Bola Tinubu’s recent economic decisions.
Omokri’s claims have sparked renewed debate on social media and in political circles, with supporters and critics of Peter Obi offering opposing views. As of the time of filing this report, Peter Obi has not issued a direct response to the latest allegations.
The controversy began after Peter Obi criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to write off the debt of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Obi questioned the move, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
In response, Omokri defended President Tinubu, stating that the decision was within the President’s constitutional powers. He then turned his attention to Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, which he served from 2006 to 2014.
According to Omokri, Obi lacks the moral authority to criticise others on financial management, based on what he described as Obi’s actions while in office.
In his statement, Omokri alleged that during his eight years as governor, Peter Obi failed to build a single government-owned nursery, primary school, secondary school, university, or standard hospital in Anambra State.
He claimed that Obi deliberately avoided embarking on major projects because he was allegedly depositing Anambra State government funds in a commercial bank in which he had significant personal interest.
Omokri alleged that Obi was a major shareholder and former chairman of the bank and that the state government funds deposited there were earning interest, which indirectly benefited Obi and other shareholders.
He further claimed that over $45 million belonging to Anambra State was allegedly deposited in the bank instead of being used for public projects.
“These funds were earning interest for the bank, and a large proportion of that profit went to Obi personally as a major shareholder,” Omokri claimed.
It is important to note that these allegations are claims made by Omokri and have not been established by any court of law.
Omokri also accused Obi of presiding over an increase in poverty in Anambra State during his tenure. He cited figures which he said showed that poverty levels in the state rose from 41.4 per cent in 2003 to 53.7 per cent by 2009.
He argued that Obi was the only governor since the return to democracy in 1999 under whom poverty increased in the state.
A major part of Omokri’s allegation centres on what he described as a conflict of interest. He claimed that Obi refused to withdraw government funds from the bank because it was allegedly investing the deposits in foreign markets, generating profits.
Omokri went as far as alleging that in other countries, such actions would have led to criminal prosecution.
“In any other country, you would be in jail today for corruption,” he said, accusing Obi of enriching himself, business partners, and other shareholders at the expense of development in Anambra State.
Again, these claims remain allegations and have not been proven in court.
Omokri also referred to the Pandora Papers, an investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), which revealed offshore financial dealings of politicians and wealthy individuals around the world.
Peter Obi was mentioned in the Pandora Papers in connection with offshore companies. At the time, Obi admitted ownership of the companies but denied any wrongdoing, stating that the investments were made long before he became governor and were properly declared.
Obi has consistently maintained that he did not steal public funds and that his wealth was acquired through legitimate business activities.
During and after his time as governor, Peter Obi often defended his financial approach, arguing that he focused on saving and investing state funds to ensure stability and avoid debt.
Supporters of Obi frequently cite his claims of leaving office with significant savings and no debt for Anambra State. They also point to his emphasis on fiscal discipline rather than heavy borrowing for projects.
Obi has also argued that many projects in Anambra during his tenure were executed through partnerships, grants, and support to mission schools and health institutions, rather than direct construction by the state government.
The latest allegations have divided public opinion. Supporters of Omokri argue that the claims raise serious questions that deserve investigation. They say public officials must be held accountable for how they manage public funds.
On the other hand, Obi’s supporters dismiss the allegations as politically motivated attacks aimed at damaging his reputation, especially given his rising influence in Nigerian politics.
In his statement, Omokri openly challenged Peter Obi to take legal action if the claims are false.
“If I am lying, I challenge you to sue me,” he said.
So far, there has been no indication that Obi intends to take legal action over the matter.