Valentine Obienyem, media aide of the Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has debunked allegations that Mr Obi went to Egypt to attend the annual general meeting of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
Mr Obi left Nigeria on Tuesday announcing he was going to Egypt to understudy the country’s energy sector and other sectors.
However, it was rumoured on social media that the former governor went to the north African country for another purpose.
Mr Obienyem countered the claims on Thursday, posting photos and videos of Obi in Egypt on Facebook.
He said, “I read many comments on Mr. Peter Obi’s trip. Some of the comments, like that of Mr. Omoyele Sowore insinuated that going to Egypt to learn about governance or how some of their economic policies helped to turn their country around in 9 months to the election was a sign of unpreparedness.
“Our friend Mr. Jacson Ude swore that Obi is in Cairo for the AGM meeting of Afreximbank and not to “understudy Egypt’s education, power and Finance Sector.” He spoke with the assurance of one who was part of the preparation for that meeting and was sure that Obi’s name was on the protocol list of expected guests.
“Let me assure all commentators that we respect their opinions and comments, but they should also permit us to tell them that Obi actually travelled specifically for the reason he mentioned.”
According to Obienyem, Obi interacted with the top executives and engineers of the New Capital Power Plant in New Cairo, Egypt. The plant currently generates 4800 megawatts of electricity.
“The knowledge he has gained will be useful to Nigeria weather he becomes president or not,” he added.
