Obi camp releases 2014 Anambra handover report in debt dispute

Peter Obi’s camp has released his 2014 Anambra handover report, bringing a detailed financial statement into the dispute over debts and other obligations attributed to his administration.

Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, shared the document on X on Wednesday. The report records a net balance of N86.67 billion, but that figure includes investments and an approved Federal Government refund as well as state account balances.

The document is dated March 17, 2014, and was addressed to Obi’s successor, Willie Obiano. It sets out the state’s financial position at the close of business on March 14, the final working day of Obi’s administration.

What the handover report lists

According to the document reproduced in reports by Punch and Vanguard, local investments stood at N27 billion. Foreign currency investments of $156 million were valued in the statement at N26.5 billion.

It also listed N28,165,985,574.06 in certified balances held by the state and its ministries, departments and agencies, alongside a Federal Government-approved refund of N10 billion.

Punch reported that these items totalled N91,665,985,574.06. The document then allowed N5 billion for estimated liabilities, including March salaries, pensions, gratuities and approved payment certificates for projects already executed. After that deduction, it recorded a net balance of N86,665,985,574.06.

The figures are those presented in the handover document circulated by Obi’s camp. The net balance is not described as cash alone, and the document’s release does not by itself settle the dispute over inherited loans.

State government and Obi maintain their positions

The Anambra State Government says it is still servicing loans and financial obligations inherited from previous administrations, including those of Obi and Obiano. Obi has rejected the claims, saying he left no outstanding salaries, pensions, gratuities or liabilities to contractors for duly executed and certified projects.

Tanko also challenged other governors who had led Anambra since 1999 to publish their handover notes. Vanguard reported that the state government had maintained its position on inherited liabilities.

The release comes amid a wider political argument over Obi’s record. NaijaTrend previously reported the Presidency’s challenge to his debt claims here.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard