Former governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, has denied any involvement in judicial corruption or admission malpractice during his tenure.
He made this assertion at the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) Annual Lecture and International Leadership Symposium held on Tuesday, Feb. 6, in Lagos state.
Obi, who was the keynote speaker at the symposium, said he never interfered with the appointment of judges or gave them any money for favourable judgment, and he respected the rule of law and accepted any verdict against him, knowing that justice would prevail eventually.
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He also said that he never used his influence to secure admission slots for his relatives or associates, but rather encouraged them to work hard and meet the cut off points.
“I never interfered in anything, not even in admission. One of the first experience I had with the Vice Chancellor (VC) in our University was when he came and said there is an allocation for the office of the governor for admission.
“I said, VC, if not that you are a good man, I would have sacked you today.
“If anybody wants admission, let him go, if they have the cut-off point let them know. I didn’t pass jamb the first time, so let them go and repeat like I repeated then.
“If anybody fails let them go and repeat.
“There is nothing in that, and these are things we have cultivated here and parents are now getting in the admission of their children.”
Obi said he was committed to doing the right things as a governor, as that was the only way to engender followership and respect from his enemies.
He said he was transparent and accountable in his governance, and did not indulge in any form of corruption or nepotism.
The symposium, with the theme titled “Democracy, Governance and National Performance: The Mutual Relationship.’’ coincided with the 68th birthday of CVL founder Prof. Pat Utomi, who also launched his new book titled “Power, Politics, Public Policy Process and Performance.”
The event was attended by dignitaries from various sectors, including Senator Aminu Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto state and Obong Victor Attah, a former governor of Akwa Ibom, among others.
The symposium aimed to explore the nexus between democracy, governance and national performance, and to proffer solutions to the challenges facing Nigeria’s development.