Our Reporter, Abuja
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Peter Obi, has disclosed how he rejected official vehicles and allowances while serving as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Obi made the revelation on Saturday in Abuja while speaking at a coffee hangout organised by the KayhikersClub, where he shared personal experiences to underscore his views on modesty, contentment and ethical leadership.
The former Anambra State governor said he does not own a house or land in Abuja and has no intention of acquiring any, stressing that accumulation of unnecessary assets only adds pressure and stress to life.
“I don’t have a house in Abuja, I don’t have a land and I’m not preparing to have because I don’t need it,” Obi said.
“The more you have all these things, the more headache you put on your head.”
He attributed his simple lifestyle to good health and peace of mind, noting that he had not been sick for years because he avoids unnecessary stress.
Recalling his tenure as Chairman of the SEC, Obi said he turned down the official Prado jeep, accommodation allowance and sitting allowances attached to the office.
“The day I was announced, I arrived and the Director-General showed me a jeep, a Prado, and told me how much allowance I had for accommodation,” he said.
“I told him I just wanted to come for meetings here. I don’t need your sitting allowance, your car or your house.”
According to him, despite being told the benefits were his entitlement, he insisted on declining them.
“Whatever I’m entitled to, God has given me,” Obi said, adding that anyone could verify that he collected nothing during his tenure as SEC chairman.
The ADC presidential aspirant also cited his experience as Chairman of Fidelity Bank, where he said he rejected luxury vehicles traditionally assigned to the position.
“I was told I was entitled to a Mercedes 500 or a Range Rover,” he said.
“The bank is still there; go and ask them if I collected anything.”
Obi maintained that he lives within his means and does not believe in accumulating privileges he does not need.
“I have enough. I don’t need to do giveaway, but what I need, I have,” he said.
