*Challenges critics over ₦2bn ecological fund claim
The former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has dismissed claims that his administration left debts for his successor, describing the allegations as false.
Obi was reacting to reports attributed to the Anambra State Government alleging that he left behind inherited debts, including a ₦2 billion ecological loan, contractor liabilities, and unpaid salaries, gratuities and pensions.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Obi insisted that his administration cleared all outstanding obligations before leaving office.
“My attention has been drawn to trending claims by the Anambra State Government that my administration left behind inherited debts, including a ₦2 billion ecological loan, contractor liabilities, and unpaid salaries, gratuities, and pensions. This is completely false,” he said.
According to him, his government paid over ₦35 billion to clear historical gratuities and arrears inherited from previous administrations.
He said no salaries, pensions, gratuities or contractor payments were outstanding at the time he handed over power.
“We systematically liquidated historical gratuities and arrears dating back several years, amounting to over ₦35 billion.
“At the point of handover, the state owed nothing in salaries, gratuities, or pensions, nor did we owe anything to any contractor for projects duly executed and certified,” he added.
Obi also addressed claims surrounding the ₦2 billion ecological fund meant for the Oko/Umuchiana erosion intervention.
He explained that the money was released about three months before the end of his tenure but was deliberately left untouched for the incoming administration because it was tied to a specific project.
“Despite pressure to spend the money, I refused, insisting that it should be left for my successor because government is a continuum and the funds were tied to a specific project,” he stated.
The former governor stated that the money remained in a First Bank account with a balance of more than ₦2.13 billion when he left office.
He further argued that funds reserved for specific projects were not included in the more than ₦75 billion in savings his administration reportedly handed over.
Throwing a challenge to his critics, Obi said anyone with evidence contradicting his claims should present it publicly.
“If anybody can establish anything to the contrary, I will stop campaigning.”
The former governor maintained that his administration was transparent in its financial management and urged the public to rely on verifiable facts when assessing his record.
