Peter Obi's media office has challenged recent claims concerning alleged arrears owed to workers of the Anambra State Water Corporation and reports of worker deaths during his tenure as governor. The office, in a statement issued by Commissioner for Information Jeo-Martins Uzodike, described these allegations as part of renewed attempts to discredit Obi's record in office. The statement urged those making these claims to provide verifiable records to support their allegations.
The statement specifically questioned the claim that 200 workers died during Obi's administration, asking for official records to substantiate this number. It also requested details on the Corporation's total workforce during that period and comparable figures under previous and subsequent administrations. The office emphasized that such claims should be supported by official records rather than mere allegations.
The Anambra State Water Corporation Law (Cap. 150) was cited in the statement as the framework for understanding the Corporation's finances and workers' welfare. Sections 4(1) and 26 of the law assign the Corporation responsibility for water development and distribution while requiring it to generate sufficient revenue to meet its working expenses. Obi's office claimed he did not ignore the Corporation's challenges.
According to the statement, Obi engaged in discussions with the Corporation's management and requested a viable plan to improve water supply, offering government support, including financial assistance or guaranteed borrowing within the law's limits. When the management failed to produce solutions, the Obi administration partnered with the European Union to rehabilitate major waterworks in Nnewi, Onitsha, and Awka.
The rehabilitation programme was ongoing when Obi left office in 2014. Additionally, his administration provided boreholes in over 300 schools as part of efforts to address water supply in vital public institutions. The statement disputed claims that Obi left substantial liabilities to Water Corporation workers, recalling that in 2014, court proceedings and administrative actions led to the settlement of claimed salary arrears and other financial liabilities.
The statement also addressed broader allegations concerning Obi's financial record as governor, reiterating his position that he did not borrow from commercial banks or raise a bond during his tenure. He left office without outstanding obligations to contractors and suppliers for completed work, or arrears of pensions and gratuities, and left funds in the state treasury.
Uzodike said the renewed allegations against Obi should be assessed against documentary evidence and relevant legal and administrative records. The statement concluded that Obi is prepared to serve his country at the highest level, emphasizing the need for evidence-based assessments of his administration's record.
Key points
- Obi's office challenges claims of unpaid arrears to Anambra State Water Corporation workers and worker deaths during his tenure.
- The office urges those making allegations to provide verifiable records to support their claims.
- Obi's administration partnered with the European Union to rehabilitate major waterworks and provided boreholes in over 300 schools.
