Peter Obi Dispels $123.77 Million Debt Claim, Challenges Anambra State Government to Provide Proof
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has vehemently rejected claims by the Anambra State Government that he left a debt of $123.77 million upon handing over power in March 2014. Obi, widely recognized for his fiscally conservative approach to governance, has challenged the state authorities to present verifiable evidence to back these claims.
The controversy ignited following reports suggesting that Obi’s administration saddled the state with significant foreign and domestic liabilities before transitioning power to his successor, Willie Obiano. According to Obi, these allegations are not only misleading but are politically motivated attempts to tarnish his well-documented record of financial prudence and integrity.
Obi Demands Transparency and Accountability
In a swift and resolute response, Obi challenged the current Anambra State administration to publish the official debt records. He demanded the publication of the dates the alleged loans were contracted, the financial institutions involved, and the specific projects the funds were supposedly used to finance. Obi maintained that throughout his eight-year tenure, his administration did not borrow from any financial institution, domestic or international, nor did they leave any unpaid certificates of work completed by contractors.
“I challenge the Anambra State Government, or any person for that matter, to produce any document showing where I signed for a loan or left the state in debt,” Obi asserted. He reiterated that instead of leaving a deficit, his administration handed over billions of Naira in both local and foreign currencies, specifically saved to secure the future of the state.
A Legacy of Fiscal Prudence under Scrutiny
During his tenure as governor from 2006 to 2014, Peter Obi was acclaimed for his strict financial management, which allegedly resulted in a surplus of over N75 billion left in the state’s coffers, including $156 million in foreign currency investments. This narrative has been a cornerstone of his political brand, making the recent $123.77 million debt claim a direct challenge to his credibility.
As the debate intensifies, political analysts note that the burden of proof now lies heavily on the Anambra State Government. Observers believe that providing a transparent breakdown of the state’s debt profile is crucial to settling the dispute. Until such evidence is presented, Obi’s supporters remain confident that his legacy of accountability remains untarnished, while critics watch closely for the state’s next move.