David Mark on #PanamaPapers: Political elements trying to tarnish my reputation

Former Senate President David Mark says he has no offshore companies operated by Mossack Fonseca, the law firm in the eye of the storm for aiding rich and powerful people evade tax by stashing their wealth away in tax havens.

Reacting to the allegation that he is on the list of Nigerian public officers linked to the firm, Mark, in a statement on Thursday, said “some political elements” were trying to “blackmail and tarnish my hard-earned image”.

“Our attention has been drawn to spurious media reports on the Panama papers in which former president of the senate, Senator David Mark, was alleged to have operated offshore companies,” the statement read.

“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.

“Senator Mark’s media team has carried out its own search of the Mossack Fonseca database and found no statement, item or any connection to Senator David Mark or his family. It follows that there is no record whatsoever of any impropriety or wrongdoing.

“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.

“He has consulted his legal team and will take this up accordingly.”