The Anambra State Government has released a 2024 out-of-court settlement document as fresh evidence in its dispute with Peter Obi over alleged unpaid salaries and other financial obligations from his administration. The document was shared on the government's official X account on Wednesday. It concerns issues involving the defunct Anambra State Water Corporation and the Anambra State Environmental Protection Agency, ANSEPA.
The state government claims the document contradicts Obi's position that he left office without outstanding salaries, pensions, gratuities, or other obligations. 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.
According to the state government, the settlement showed that salary arrears from the Water Corporation remained unresolved after Obi left office. The government alleged that Obi refused to pay salaries for 8 years, and it is now clearing the backlog. The government also stated that Obi knew he lied about not having outstanding obligations.
The disclosure followed an earlier dispute between the state government and Obi over his record as governor. The government had previously challenged Obi's claim that he left Anambra without debt or unpaid obligations. Obi, however, has rejected the allegations and said his administration inherited substantial arrears from previous governments.
Obi stated that his administration worked to clear historical gratuities and other arrears, amounting to over N35 billion. He claimed that his administration systematically liquidated these arrears, which dated back several years. The state government, however, insists that Obi's administration left behind unpaid salaries and other obligations.
The Anambra State Government's latest move is seen as an effort to provide evidence in support of its claims against Obi. The government has been trying to clear its records and settle outstanding obligations. The release of the settlement document is part of this effort.
The dispute between the state government and Obi has been ongoing, with both sides presenting their arguments. The state government is trying to provide evidence to support its claims, while Obi maintains that his administration did not leave behind unpaid obligations. The matter remains a subject of discussion in the state's politics.
Key points
- The Anambra State Government releases a 2024 out-of-court settlement document as evidence in dispute with Peter Obi over alleged unpaid salaries and financial obligations.
- The document shows that salary arrears from the Water Corporation remained unresolved after Obi left office.
- Obi's administration claims to have cleared historical gratuities and arrears amounting to over N35 billion.
