Opinion
By Valentine Obienyem
RECENTLY, misinformation has been circulating, claiming that Mr. Peter Obi, during his tenure as Governor, owed a contractor ₦36 million for a supply. This baseless allegation appears to be a calculated act of blackmail.
It is worth noting that, during Mr. Obi’s administration, over 5,000 contractors and suppliers worked with the government. Yet, curiously, only one individual has come forward with such a claim. Six months before Mr. Obi left office, public announcements were made – through newspapers and other media channels – urging contractors or suppliers with unpaid claims to come forward for resolution.
The person behind this allegation is Chief Ikem Okeke from Nri. Notably, Chief Okeke’s mother served as Commissioner for Education in Mr. Obi’s government for several years. It is left for investigative journalists to unearth what he benefitted in the Ministry under his mother and against Obi’s policy that those in government should not award contracts to their sons and daughters.
The baseless allegation of a debt of 36 Million Naira was known in government. It was a contract that was duly settled, where the contractor was just trying to be clever and has gone to court and everywhere and yet lost out.
These claims are not only unfounded but also represent a disingenuous attempt to tarnish Mr. Obi’s reputation by an individual who now aligns with an opposing political camp. As Mr. Obi has always maintained, he is not a saint. However, his record in private, corporate, and public life remains unrivalled and exemplary.
A.I
Nov. 16, 2025
Tags: Chief Ikem Okeke Peter Obi Valentine Obienyem
