Billionaire Benny Peters Not OBJ’s 3rd Force’s Financier, Group Says

MICHAEL AKINOLA

Billionaire oil mogul and Aiteo Group boss, Benny Peters has refuted claims that he is one of the financiers of the proposed Third Force, a new political movement been championed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo aimed at replacing the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the dominant political parties in Nigeria.

In a statement by a group known as Africa CSO Round Table Forum and jointly signed by Efezemo Isaac, National President and Mamojasa Anthony, National Secretary, they described the report as false, baseless and mischievous.

The group debunked the rumours saying there is no iota of truth to the report as the oil mogul has not met with or agreed with or given funds to any person or group of persons for the establishment and maintenance of any political movement in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world and does not have the intention to do so.

“Mr. Benny Peters is not part of Obasanjo’s third force. He is currently committed to many pursuits across Africa. These include the expansion of his business empire and the scope of business of the Aiteo Group across several African countries. They also include many acts of philanthropy, medicine and medical research dedicated to seeking cures for several ailments which plague Africa, and investment in sports and sports development of Africa’s teeming youth population as a panacea for development,” said the group.

“Mr. Peters has no interest whatsoever in putting his money in political ventures but remains dedicated to raising a new generation of African entrepreneurs and young leaders across the African continent.

“Although many politicians continue to visit Peters due to his growing influence, he has made it categorically clear that he has no interest whatsoever in supporting any political venture either in Nigeria or in any other country on the continent.”

“We are not surprised by the lack of professionalism displayed by some online media. It has gained a reputation as an unprofessional news platform which promotes the dissemination of fake news aimed at besmirching the public images of many people.”

Peters has been in the eyes of the storm for over a year now as he has engaged in a runnin g battle with the Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, EFCC.

He has been on self-exile in Ghana for a while.