Alhaji Atiku may go down in history as Nigeria’s most vilified politician. From being gas-lighted and accused of monumental corruption by his former boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, to spreading tales about his alleged hunt by the American government, among other politically devastating tales, he is the perfect personification of the ‘Never Say Die’ spirit.

Mustafa Chike-Obi

Instructively, the Waziri – his traditional title – knows he hasn’t come this far on his own strength or skills; he has had the good fortunes of having dependable and savvy lieutenants around him, otherwise illustrious people who swear by his name and would hug the sky if it would make him happy.

Yes, Atiku has some of Nigeria’s best brains in his corner and they cut across varying pedigree and profession, sex and tribe. Mustafa Chike-Obi is one of them. Chike-Obi believes so much in Atiku and has been a die-hard supporter and confidant.

He has over 25 years of investment banking experience working with reputable global investment banking and asset management firms. He provides overall leadership at Alpha African Advisory and has direct oversight over the capital raising division. Prior to joining Alpha African Advisory, he was the inaugural CEO of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), a government-backed institution established to resolve the problem of non-performing loan assets of Nigerian banks after the 2008 global financial crisis.

Since his removal as Managing Director (MD), Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), Chike-Obi has been in his anonymous cocoon. Back when he was in office, Chike-Obi reigned supreme, like a Chinese emperor. Men and women worshiped him, and he exploited his office to advantage.

However, this is a good news, Fidelity Bank Plc yesterday announced that appointment of the former pioneer Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Chike-Obi as the new chairman of its Board of Directors.

Fidelity in a statement, said, Mr. Chike-Obi, who is currently the Executive Vice-Chairman at Alpha African Advisory, replaces Mr. Ernest Ebi who is stepping down, in accordance with the Bank’s internal governance policy, after successfully completing his tenure.

This announcement was contained in a notice signed by the Company Secretary, Ezinwa Unuigboje, and sent to the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Thelagostimes gathered that the appointment has been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria, and will take effect on August 14, 2020, after the expiration of the tenure of the current Chairman, Mr Ernest Ebi.

Also in the notice, the bank announced the retirement of Mr Seni Adetu, who served as Independent Non-Executive Director on the board. He stepped down from the board after completing his tenure on June 30, 2020.

The board of directors and the management of the bank appreciated Ernest Ebi and Seni Adetu for their contributions to the progress of the bank during their tenures.

“Under the chairmanship of Mr Ernest Ebi, the bank recorded significant growth across key financial metrics, with both Messers Ebi and Adetu playing significant roles, complementing management efforts in the delivery of these milestones; in service of the long-term vision of the bank. The banks market share position has also been materially strengthened over the period,” the notice read.

The appointment is in line with the bank’s high governance standards and best practices, and in compliance with internal succession policies; Mr Ebi will, over the next six weeks, ensure a successful transition and smooth handover to Chike-Obi.

Mustafa Chike-Obi has over 40 years’ experience in investment banking and the financial services sector, working with reputable global investment banking and asset Management firms. He is currently with the Alpha African Advisory, where he provides leadership and oversees the capital-raising division.

He was the inaugural CEO of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), from where he joined Alpha African Advisory.

He was also founding president at Madison Advisors, a financial services advisory and consulting firm in New Jersey, where he specialised in hedge funds and private equity investment advice.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Lagos, and an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.