Obi Addresses Involvement with Abacha Port Taskforce, Releases Letter for Clarity

“We approached him not as political actors, but as concerned citizens seeking practical solutions to an issue that affects economic activity and livelihoods,” Obi explained.

In a letter he attached, which documents his co-opting into the Taskforce on the decongestion of the Ports, Obi reiterated that his interactions with Abacha were strictly professional and driven by economic concerns rather than political affiliations.

“Our intention was clear: to advocate for efficiency and propose practical steps towards restoring normalcy in port operations to benefit the wider business community and, ultimately, the Nigerian economy. This clarification is offered in the interest of truth, emphasising that our actions were guided solely by civic duty and not political ambition.”

Obi, who has faced criticism and accusations regarding his association with the late Head of State, emphasised that the task force’s main objective was to enhance port efficiency and support Nigeria’s struggling economy. He dismissed the renewed controversy surrounding his involvement as “mischief” by individuals with “ulterior motives.”

“I don’t expect this detailed evidence to silence the criticisms about my association with Abacha, as those spreading mischief have their own agendas. However, I am sharing it publicly for transparency and in line with my pledge to be open with Nigerians regarding any issues I am involved in,” he stated.

Political opponents, such as Reno Omokri and Ifedayo Olarinde, known as Daddy Freeze, have frequently criticised Obi’s past involvement with Abacha, given the nature of Abacha’s rule before he died in 1998.

Meanwhile, past reports indicate that President Bola Tinubu also had connections with the late Head of State, having sought a position as a Commissioner during that military era though he has claimed to have worked with NADECO to help return power to civilian rule.