I didn’t lie about London houses – Peter Obi

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi

Vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2019 elections, Peter Obi, has denied ever claiming he had no house in London.

Obi spoke through his media aide, Valentine Obienyem, who made the clarification on Wednesday while reacting to online reports that the former Anambra State governor lied about owning houses in London.

Mr Obienyem said: “During several media programmes, Mr. Peter Obi said Onitsha was the only place he owned a personal house in Nigeria.

“In an attempt to discredit him, some people are posting his London houses as the much-awaited evidence that he lied.

“First, let it be noted that the issue of having a personal house only in Onitsha is a matter of choice. If his lifestyle supports love for houses, Obi can afford to have houses in the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“As for his London houses, it might interest the public to note that he bought his first house in London in 1987. All the houses he owned in London were purchased before he became governor of Anambra State and were all duly declared.”

Obienyem advised Nigerians and the international community “to disregard false stories being fabricated by detractors who are clutching at straws in their vain bid to demonise Mr. Obi, a proven performer and lover of the masses who is well known for his forthrightness and integrity.”