A public spat between Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, and his predecessor, Peter Obi, has raised concerns about the motives behind their exchanges. Soludo has been making public accusations about Obi's financial management of the state during his tenure. Obi, who is also the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has responded by asserting that he left Anambra State in a strong financial position.
According to Soludo, Obi left behind $123 million in debt, as well as unpaid salaries and pension arrears. He also accused Obi of concealing these liabilities from his handover notes. Soludo's Commissioner for Information, Mefor, released a statement detailing these allegations, titled "Peter Obi's Debts And Lies: More Questions Than Answers". Soludo's claims have sparked a heated debate about Obi's legacy and financial stewardship.
Human rights lawyer, Barrister Olalekan Festus Ojo, has weighed in on the dispute, suggesting that Soludo's allegations are motivated by politics rather than a genuine desire for accountability. Ojo pointed out that eminent Nigerians, including Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Governor Alex Otti, have attested to Obi's responsible management of Anambra State's finances. Ojo argued that Soludo's timing and motivations are suspect, given his support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election.
Peter Obi has strongly denied Soludo's allegations, insisting that he left Anambra State with over $150 million in funds and without any debt. In an interview with Arise News, Obi described Soludo's claims as "very wrong public accounting". He explained that even if his administration had owed $123.7 million, he left behind $150 million that was earning $10 million annually, which could have been used to pay off the debt.
Obi also clarified that his administration did not borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of Anambra State, and that they did not owe salaries, gratuities, or pensions. He stated that his government was not owing any contractor or supplier who had executed their job and been certified. Obi expressed confidence that his legacy speaks for itself and that history will judge the motives behind Soludo's allegations.
The dispute between Obi and Soludo has sparked wider reactions, with some calling for Igbo leaders to put their house in order if they want to be considered for the presidency. Former APC state chairman of Abia State, Kingsley Ononogbu, suggested that Ndigbo must first resolve their internal issues before making claims for a slot at the presidency.
The public feud between Obi and Soludo continues to generate interest and debate, with many calling for transparency and accountability in governance. As the two leaders exchange allegations and counter-allegations, the people of Anambra State and Nigerians in general are watching closely to see how the matter unfolds.
Key points
- - The dispute centers on Soludo's allegations that Obi left behind significant debts and unpaid salaries, which Obi strongly denies. - Human rights lawyer Barrister Olalekan Festus Ojo suggests that Soludo's allegations are motivated by politics rather than a genuine desire for accountability. - The public spat has sparked wider reactions, with some calling for Igbo leaders to put their house in order if they want to be considered for the presidency.
