Obi denies leaving Anambra in debt, says no rift with Soludo
Former Anambra governor Peter Obi has rejected claims he left the state $123.77 million in debt, and denied any disagreement with current Governor Charles Soludo over the issue.
What happened
Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party figure, has rejected claims that he left $123.77 million in debt when he handed over power in March 2014.12
The controversy followed a claim by Anambra's Commissioner for Finance, Izuchukwu Okafor, that Governor Soludo's administration is still repaying loans and other debts incurred by Obi and past governors.5
Obi said he did not borrow or issue any bond for Anambra and disputed the characterisation of financial facilities from his tenure.14
Obi said he has no disagreement with Governor Soludo or any governor in Nigeria, and stated he is not seeking and will not seek a governorship position again.34
Key points
- Peter Obi has publicly rejected the claim that he left Anambra State with $123.77 million in debt after leaving office in March 2014.123
- Obi has stated he has no personal quarrel or disagreement with current Governor Charles Soludo over the debt controversy.34
- Obi denied borrowing money or issuing a bond on behalf of Anambra State during his tenure as governor.14
Where accounts differ
Each account is attributed to who makes it. We do not judge between them.
Whether Peter Obi left Anambra State in debt
Peter Obi
Obi says he did not borrow or issue a bond for Anambra and disputes the $123.77 million debt figure attributed to his tenure.124
Anambra State Commissioner for Finance, Izuchukwu Okafor
Okafor claims the Soludo administration is still repaying loans and other debts incurred by Obi and previous governors.5
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed detailed the specific breakdown or origin of the $123.77 million figure cited in the debt claim.
- None of the outlets reviewed included a direct response or further comment from Governor Soludo's office on Obi's remarks.
- None of the outlets reviewed described what Obi specifically says he left as governor, beyond his denial of the debt claim.
Why it matters
Sources (5)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
Africa
- 1Channels TelevisionNGPrivate
‘I Did Not Borrow Or Issue Bond For Anambra’, Obi Challenges $123.77m Debt Claim
- 2NairametricsNGPrivate
Peter Obi rejects $123.77 million debt claim, challenges Anambra government
- 3VanguardNGPrivate
- 4PunchNGPrivate
- 5Premium TimesNGIndependent
Peter Obi counters Anambra’s debt claims, details what he left as governor