Former Anambra State Governor and prominent political figure, Mr. Peter Obi, has publicly released a documented letter to definitively address what he calls “mischief” surrounding a past meeting with the late military Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
In a statement issued today titled “Our Engagement with General Abacha: Setting the Record Straight,” Obi forcefully reiterated his longstanding position that his sole encounter with Abacha stemmed from his role as a trader and importer facing crippling port congestion, not political ambition.
“The meeting with him was borne out of collective concern as traders and importers over the prolonged delays in clearing goods at the ports,” Obi stated. He emphasized, “I had never met General Sani Abacha before that encounter,” clarifying that the delegation approached Abacha “not as political actors, but as concerned citizens seeking pragmatic solutions.”
Obi attached a copy of the letter documenting his co-option, along with others, into the “Taskforce on the decongestion of the Ports” as evidence supporting his account. He stated his action aligns with his “established principles of defending everything I am involved in” and his “transparency pledge to Nigerians.”
“Our intention was clear: to advocate for efficiency, and to propose practical steps towards restoring normalcy in port operations for the benefit of the wider business community and, ultimately, the Nigerian economy,” Obi explained, framing the engagement as an act of “civic duty.”
Despite releasing the evidence, Obi expressed skepticism that it would end the controversy. “I don’t expect this copious evidence to bury this Abacha case because the mischief makers have ulterior motives,” he acknowledged. However, he stated the documentation is being placed “in the public space for posterity.”
Key Points from Peter Obi’s Statement:
1. Documentary Evidence Released: A letter confirming his appointment to a Port Decongestion Taskforce under Abacha.
2. Sole Motive Asserted: The meeting was driven solely by business concerns over port delays, not political association or ambition.
3. First Meeting Claim: Obi states definitively he never met Abacha prior to this specific engagement.
4. Civic Duty Framing: Actions presented as a necessary step by concerned citizens/business operators.
5. Skepticism on Impact: Obi doubts the evidence will silence critics (“mischief makers”) but releases it for the historical record and transparency.
Obi concluded that the clarification was offered “in the interest of truth” and for “all men and women of goodwill, especially those committed to the pursuit of truth.”
