Former Senate President David Mark says his name is not contained on the list of persons who operated offshore companies as reported by some online media.
In a statement signed by Paul Mumeh, Media Assistant to the senator, Mark challenged those peddling the media report to prove that his name was on the list.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Tuesday viral reports listed many world leaders and prominent men who had several offshore investments hidden by a company, Mossack Fonseca.
The report, which was published by online media Premium Times, also listed President of the Senate Bukola Saraki, and former Delta governor James Ibori.
However, other online reports alleged that former President of the Senate also had several offshore companies and investments also hidden by the same company mentioned in the Panama Reports.
However, Mark, while reacting to the allegation, stressed that he had no business with `Mossack Fonseca’, said that those who are responsible for the publication were just trying to tarnish his image.
“For the avoidance of doubt, in the released materials of the Panama Leaks, his name is not listed anywhere in the database of Mossack Fonseca Law Firm.
“We reiterate categorically, that he is not directly or indirectly connected to any of the companies registered, operated or managed by the Mossack Fonseca Law Firm.
“We challenge all those behind this propaganda and Media outburst to prove or show that Senator Mark’s name was mentioned in the leaks.
“He is prepared to stand and defend himself against any accusation in relation to this matter,” he said.
According to the statement, the senator had commissioned his team to look at the whole database of Mossack Fonseca and found no item that connected Mark to the company.
It said that none of the family members of Mark had anything to do with the law firm or the Panama Report.
“We recall that in his quest for Senate Presidency in 2007, there was an attempt to bring a similar issue to the fore in order to stop him.
“So what are their fears now in 2016 for regurgitating the same issue?
“Once more, Senator Mark has distanced himself and any member of his family from the said Mossack Fonseca Firm and has no affiliation whatsoever with any company operated, registered or managed by Mossack Fonseca.
“Senator Mark has not contravened any laws of the land and he is treating this for what it is, an attempt to blackmail and tarnish his hard earned image by some political elements.
“As a public officer, Senator Mark has maintained a high level of decorum; respects and observes the laws of the land and believes in the sanctity of the rule of law.
“He will not be distracted by what is clearly a deliberate mischief and propaganda.
“Records of all his assets are available with the relevant government agencies and can be verified,” the statement read in part.
It added that Mark had contacted his legal team to take up the matter accordingly.
