The candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress in forthcoming governorship election in Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has denied having a case to answer with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Obaseki, who spoke with journalists in Benin on Thursday, was reacting to reports that the EFCC was set to invite him in connection with the misappropriation of over N5.5bn belonging to a German company.
He said, “I do not have a case with the EFCC. I read the story. I am on the boards of several companies. This (report) is about a German company that own rigs in Nigeria and I sat on their board. They had a partner who died many years ago and his estate has not been properly managed, unfortunately.
“His other businesses are bankrupt and the company saw a petition from the children claiming that the company owed their father. You would see online the full agreement which the company reached with the estate several years ago, where all that was due to that estate was paid from the debt of the man.”
Obaseki explained that the issue had nothing to do with him as he did not manage the company.
“I am just a shareholder and on the board of the company. I didn’t take money from anybody,” he said.
ICT-based government
Ahead of the September 10 polls, Obaseki pledged to run a government driven by information and communications technology to create a hub of financial investments, if elected as governor.
He said, “Because of my background as an investment banker and how to attract resources, I am going to spend a lot more time on trying to bring investment and production into the state. We will focus on the economy, so that we can take advantage of the unique position of Edo State in Nigeria.
The APC governorship candidate congratulated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, on his victory in the primary and called for campaigns devoid of hate speeches.
