Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has rejected claims that he left the state with $123 million in debt, saying he handed over more than $150 million in funds.
Speaking to Arise News, Obi described Anambra’s reported debt position as “very wrong public accounting”.
“Assuming—let me even assume that Anambra State was right, even though it’s false, I did not leave $123 million—let me assume the worst-case scenario: that there was $123.7 million owed as of the time I left. I left over $150 million that was earning about $10 million annually.”
Obi said he never borrowed from financial institutions or issued bonds for Anambra during his eight-year tenure.
“Let me categorically state again: I, Mr. Peter Obi, did not approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of Anambra State in the eight years that I was in government.”
He said the state owed no salaries, pensions, gratuities, verified contractors or suppliers when he left.
Obi also disputed how World Bank and IFAD facilities were recorded, saying they were Federal Government concessionary loans given to qualifying states.
He said Anambra’s foreign debt rose from about $18 million when he took office to about $30 million when he left in March 2014, and $45 million by December 2014.
Obi pointed to his handover documents and bank statements as evidence of the funds transferred.
He also urged governors to allow political candidates to campaign freely and let voters decide who should lead them.
