By Gbenga Soloki
Lagos
Billionaire businessman and Chairman of First Bank Holdings, Mr. Femi Otedola, has fired back at the Publisher of ThisDay Newspapers, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, over what he described as a smear campaign against his person.
Otedola, in a statement issued in response to articles published by ThisDay on Thursday and Friday said the publications were clearly instigated by Obaigbena and filled with baseless allegations aimed at smearing his reputation.
He said it was unfortunate that Obaigbena had resorted to such tactics simply because he has been asked to repay his $230 million loan.
According to Otedola, the loan, facilitated with the help of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, was purportedly for the operation of an oil block which he obtained without competitive bidding.
He alleged that the funds were diverted for personal use, including funding Emefiele's presidential aspirations, acquisition of luxury properties abroad, operation of a private jet, and an extravagant $68 million spent on jet rentals in just four years.
Otedola said Obaigbena's profligacy is well known, as is his penchant for using his media platforms to blackmail and silence those who hold him accountable.
As Chairman of First Bank Holdings, Otedola said his primary responsibility is to protect the interests of the bank's shareholders and depositors, adding that the actions initiated in the courts are necessary to recover funds that belong to depositors and ensure corporate governance.
"Mr Obaigbena's penchant for blackmailing people to escape accountability must end, especially when depositors' money is at stake. My commitment to upholding the integrity of the financial system and protecting depositors outweigh any cheap attempts at blackmail," Otedola said.
He reminded the public that his integrity is not in question, noting that as Chancellor of Augustine University and a benefactor of Save the Children Fund, he continues to dedicate his wealth to noble causes.
"I will not allow unscrupulous elements to derail the efforts of First Bank to recover loans or jeopardize the financial security of our shareholders," he added.
Otedola assured all stakeholders that he remains steadfast in his mission to protect First Bank's integrity and ensure its continued success, stressing that media blackmail will not deter him from this responsibility.
0 Comments