A trove of leaked files have unearthed the allegedly illegal and corrupt activities of former Anambra governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) star, Peter Obi.
While other Nigerians were obeying the law by paying their taxes, Obi was said to have hidden a chunk of his money in tax havens, countries where the wealthy can avoid paying tax without revealing who they are.
After Obi became governor in 2006, he failed to relinquish control of an offshore company until 14 months into his administration, Premium Times, citing the Pandora Papers, reported. He also failed to declare the assets while also operating a foreign account.
The former governor’s action allegedly violated Nigeria’s constitution and the Conduct of Conduct Bureau’s (CCB) regulations and he could be dragged before its tribunal (CCT).
Obi now claims innocence saying that immediately he became governor, he resigned from him offshore company but its officials failed to effect the change on time, a claim the leaked files reportedly debunks.
Obi also said that he didn’t declare his assets in the offshore company because there were co-owners, who happened to be members of his family. But Nigerian law reportedly mandates public officials to declare such assets.
Also, according to Pandora Papers, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hid 500,000 euros in offshore accounts.
The leaks detail the financial secrets of at least 35 current and former world leaders and over 330 public officials and celebrities in more than 91 countries and territories.
Premium Times and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) are two of the many organisations reporting on the documents.
