Billionaire businessman and founder of Aiteo Group, Mr. Benedict Peters has unequivocally debunked reports that he is the financier behind the Coalition for Nigeria project being set up by former president Olusegun Obasanjo. The billionaire is the 17th richest man in Africa and the 7th richest in Nigeria with a net worth of $2.7billion In a statement made available to the media, he said: “For the record, I wish to state, categorically and unequivocally, that I am not a financier of the said organisation or any socio-political partisan association or political party in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world.
“As an international businessman of repute, I have deliberately stayed away from politics preferring, instead, to focus and give my all to the development of my business interests across the African continent.
“Corporate Social Responsibility contributions has seen the Aiteo Group, which I lead, provide investment support in medicine and medical research dedicated to seeking cures for several ailments which affect the African continent as well as investment in sport and sport as a panacea for the development of Africa’s teeming youth population.”
Peters said the reports were malicious attempts to create problems between him and the Federal Government. He did admit that he is a close associate of Obasanjo as the former President and his late father were friends and he has remained close to Obasanjo for over 30 years. He however said that despite their amicable relationship, Obasanjo has never discussed politics with him. He said: “For the avoidance of any doubt whatsoever, I also confirm, categorically, that the former President has, on no occasion, discussed or mentioned any such plan or intention to me. This situation very pointedly affirms the irrationality and farcicality of the allegations as a whole.
“As unconvincing and implausible as these allegations are, I am constrained to take steps to address these unbridled excesses as a means of protecting my family, my business and I from these unwarranted personal attacks.
“As unconvincing and implausible as these allegations are, I am constrained to take steps to address these unbridled excesses as a means of protecting my family, my business and I from these unwarranted personal attacks.
“Accordingly, I have instructed my lawyers to immediately take steps to obtain a retraction, in the absence of which they are to take all steps available to provide me with protection, remedy and relief." Aiteo group has interests primarily in energy and is the largest indigenous oil producing firm in Nigeria by output.
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