The Anambra State Government has released a 2024 out-of-court settlement document amid its dispute with Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over unpaid salaries and financial obligations left behind by his administration. The document, titled "Terms of Settlement," was signed on February 6, 2024, between the Anambra State Government and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees, AUPCTRE.
The Anambra government made the fresh release in a post on its official X account on Wednesday, describing it as evidence that contradicted Obi's position. According to the state government, the document relates to issues involving the defunct Anambra State Water Corporation and the Anambra State Environmental Protection Agency, ANSEPA. The government accused the former governor of lying in his earlier claim that he left office without outstanding salaries, pensions, gratuities or other financial obligations.
The released document specifically mentioned the Water Corporation Arrears, which the government claimed Obi refused to pay for 8 years. The current administration, led by Soludo, is now clearing the backlog. The government wrote, "14 years later, Soludo entered an out-of-court settlement with the Water Corporation over salaries Obi refused to pay for 8 years. Soludo is now clearing the backlog. Obi knows; we know he lied."
The latest disclosure came amid a political disagreement between the Anambra government and Obi over his record as governor. The state government had previously challenged Obi over his claim that he left Anambra without debt or unpaid obligations. In its earlier statement, it referred to Obi's reported pledge to withdraw from the presidential race if anyone could establish that he left the state in debt.
Obi has rejected the allegations and maintained that his administration inherited substantial arrears from previous governments and worked to clear them. "We systematically liquidated historical gratuities and arrears dating back several years, amounting to over N35 billion," Obi said. The disagreement between the Anambra government and Obi continues, with both parties presenting different accounts of the state's financial situation during Obi's tenure.
The Anambra State Government's decision to release the out-of-court settlement document is seen as an effort to provide evidence against Obi's claims. The government is trying to hold Obi accountable for the financial obligations left behind by his administration. The development has sparked a fresh controversy in the country's political landscape, with many Nigerians following the disagreement between the Anambra government and Obi.
The issue has also raised concerns about the accuracy of political leaders' claims and the need for transparency in governance. As the disagreement continues, many are watching to see how the situation will unfold and what implications it may have for Obi's presidential ambitions. The Anambra State Government has vowed to continue providing evidence to support its claims, while Obi has maintained that his administration worked to clear the state's arrears.
Key points
- The Anambra State Government released a 2024 out-of-court settlement document as evidence of unpaid salaries and financial obligations left behind by Peter Obi's administration.
- Peter Obi's administration inherited substantial arrears from previous governments and worked to clear them, amounting to over N35 billion.
- The disagreement between the Anambra government and Obi continues, with both parties presenting different accounts of the state's financial situation during Obi's tenure.
