I Didn’t Keep Any Debt In Office, Obi Insists

The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that he did not incur any debts or borrow from any organisation, both within and outside the country when he was Governor.
He spoke through his Media Aide, Mr. Valentine Obienyem.

Obienyem said this clarification has become necessary following a news report in a national newspaper (not Daily Independent) which classified Anambra State among those owing various sums of money, with names of their culpable governors attached.
Obienyem said the error, in the case of Anambra State, lies in the fact the newspaper gave the impression that N17.6 Billion was incurred during Obi’s tenure.
He said: “While we recognize that States are owing under different Governments, I make bold to say that under Mr. Peter Obi Anambra State did not borrow any money nor raise bonds. The state only guaranteed the sum of N1 billion borrowed by farmers in the State from Fidelity Bank. The development loan offer from the World Bank for education and erosion control, which has a 40-year moratorium, was not drawn down by Peter Obi’s government. Not even one kobo was taken when Obi was the Governor.”
Obienyem disclosed that the Debt Management Office (DMO) can always confirm the financial situation of Anambra State during the time of Peter Obi as Governor.