Oseloka Obaze, a former secretary to the Anambra State Government, has asserted that when former governor Peter Obi left office in 2014, he left ₦86.6 billion in the state’s coffers.
In a post on 𝕏, Obaze—who held the position of SSG during Obi’s administration from 2006 to 2014—made the assertion amid the ongoing dispute over the financial records that the state’s subsequent administrations inherited.
The former SSG claimed to have been present when Obi formally gave Willie Obiano, his successor, documents outlining the state’s finances on March 17, 2014.
He claims that Obiano received his copy of the handover letter, along with certified bank statements and other supporting documentation, and acknowledged receiving it.
Obaze wrote;
“I was also present when Governor Willie Obiano received and signed an acknowledgement for his own copy of the letter, complete with the annexed certified bank statements, related documents and the Handover Report.
“The letter listed assets and liabilities, in black and red (respectively).
“I recall asking him (Obiano) on national television how, as a certified accountant and auditor, he would sign off and accept financial documents, for which he now was expressing reservations.
“He (Obiano) then publicly acknowledged for the first time that some specified funds were in place and asked what was the use of saving money, when there was work to be done.
“If Governor Obiano to whom Peter Obi handed over to, in 2014 would eventually acknowledge, implicitly and explicitly, that Governor Peter Obi indeed left the stipulated funds; a fact that was also publicly corroborated by Governor Alex Otti, in his capacity as an ex-banker, what then, one may ask, is the beef and grouse of the incumbent Anambra State Government?”
Who should we believe in this conflicting story? On one hand, Soludu claims that Peter Obi left debts of millions. On the other hand, we are now hearing that Peter Obi actually left behind ₦86.6 billion in Anambra’s coffers. The question is, who is telling the truth? In Nigeria’s political landscape, it’s often difficult to trust what is being said, as different narratives emerge daily, seemingly aimed at tarnishing individuals’ reputations. With such contrasting stories, it’s hard to know which version is accurate. I invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts—who do you believe: the SSG or Soludu? Let’s discuss!
