by Anike Jacobs

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday approved the appointment of the former governor of Anambra, Peter Obi as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

But the appointment of Obi as SEC chairman was not solely about politics, his glittering career in the banking sector made him as easy choice for Jonathan.

A business analyst told PM News that not many people know that Obi has a rich background in business and banking, noting that, many associate him with politics alone.

Born 19 July 1961 in Onitsha, Obi attended Christ the King College, Onitsha where he completed his secondary school education. He was admitted to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1980, graduating with a B.A (Hons) in philosophy in 1984.

Going into business, he became Chairman of Next International Nigeria Ltd, then Chairman and Director of Guardian Express Mortgage Bank Ltd, Guardian Express Bank Plc, Future View Securities Ltd, Paymaster Nigeria Ltd, Chams Nigeria Ltd, Data Corp Ltd and Card Centre Ltd.

He was the youngest Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc.