It would be foolish of me to abandon Peter Obi, a man I have personally verified rejected land offers as Anambra State Governor, declined entitlements as Chairman of SEC, turned down an oil block biding request, and refused pension benefits after serving eight years in a country where corruption remains the greatest obstacle to national progress. The fact that some Nigerians continue to malign Obi, despite his consistent demonstration of integrity, speaks volumes about them.
1. Rejection of Land Offer: While serving as governor, Obi stated: “My being governor is by the grace of God, and I believe firmly that it is wrong to benefit from that. I became governor because I wish to serve my people, and to do that devotedly, I believe I have to distance myself from the undue privileges of the office.”
2. Rejection of SEC Entitlements (2015): As Chairman of the SEC Board, Obi declined all benefits, including an official Prado Jeep, accommodation allowance, and sitting allowances. He told the Director-General: “I just wanted to come for meetings here. I don’t need your sitting allowance, your car, or your house.”
3. Rejection of Oil Block Offer (circa 2014–2015): While serving as SEC Chairman and Honorary Special Advisor on Finance to President Goodluck Jonathan, Obi was offered the opportunity to bid for a marginal oil field but declined. He explained: “I avoid unfamiliar businesses. I am a trader. After selling their oil, let the oil entrepreneurs come and buy my tomato ketchup and other wares.”
4. Rejection of Pension: While most former governors live off generous pension packages from their states, Obi has repeatedly stated that he has received no pension, gratuity, or related benefits since leaving office in 2014.
I deliberately omitted the offer and rejection of land in Abuja that former FCT Minister Bala Mohammed offered Obi land, as I could not independently confirm it.
I would rather lose (God forbid) standing with Obi than turn against a man of integrity in a society like ours.