Peter Obi has challenged the Anambra State Government to provide evidence that his administration left behind debts, unpaid salaries, pensions, gratuities or contractor liabilities, declaring that he would stop campaigning if the allegations are proven. Obi, who served as governor from 2006 to 2013, made the statement while responding to claims about the financial obligations […]
Peter Obi has challenged the Anambra State Government to provide evidence that his administration left behind debts, unpaid salaries, pensions, gratuities or contractor liabilities, declaring that he would stop campaigning if the allegations are proven.
Obi, who served as governor from 2006 to 2013, made the statement while responding to claims about the financial obligations allegedly inherited from his administration.
The NDC presidential candidate said his administration inherited more than N35 billion in historical gratuities and arrears but systematically cleared the liabilities during his tenure.
He maintained that there were no outstanding salaries, gratuities or pensions when he handed over power, adding that contractors whose completed projects had been duly certified were also paid.
Obi also addressed the controversial N2 billion ecological fund linked to the Oko/Umuchiana erosion crisis.
According to him, the funds were released less than three months before the end of his tenure and were left untouched because they had been specifically allocated for the erosion project.
He said the money remained in a First Bank account with more than N2.13 billion, stressing that the funds were not part of the more than N75 billion in savings he claimed his government left behind.
Obi subsequently issued a direct challenge to those questioning his record, asking them to produce evidence contradicting his account.
“If anybody can establish anything to the contrary, I will stop campaigning,” he said.
The former governor also said his financial records should be subjected to public scrutiny, arguing that allegations involving public funds should be supported by verifiable documentation.