A 2014 handover document from former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has resurfaced amid an ongoing dispute over the state’s inherited debts and financial obligations.
The document, dated March 17, 2014, was addressed by Obi to his successor, Willie Obiano, and contained a summary of Anambra State’s financial position as of the close of business on March 14, 2014, the final working day of Obi’s administration.
The document was shared on Wednesday by Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, as the controversy over the financial obligations inherited by successive administrations continues.
According to the report, Obi listed local investments valued at ₦27 billion, while foreign currency investments of US$156 million were put at ₦26.5 billion.
The document also listed certified state and Ministries, Departments and Agencies balances at ₦28.17 billion, alongside a ₦10 billion Federal Government-approved refund.
The combined figures amounted to ₦91.67 billion.
Against this, the report listed estimated liabilities of ₦5 billion, covering March salaries, pensions, gratuities and approved certificates for projects that had already been executed.
After the deduction, the document recorded a net balance of ₦86.67 billion.
In the covering letter accompanying the report, Obi stated that the financial summary represented the position of the state at the close of business on March 14, 2014, which he identified as the final working day of his administration.
The resurfaced document comes against the backdrop of renewed disagreement between Obi and the Anambra State Government over loans and other financial obligations inherited by subsequent administrations.
The state government has maintained that it is still servicing loans inherited from previous administrations, including those associated with the periods before and during Obi’s tenure.
Obi, however, has rejected claims that his administration left unpaid salaries, pensions, gratuities or liabilities to contractors for duly executed and certified projects.
The former governor has challenged anyone disputing his position to provide evidence to the contrary.
The 2014 handover document has therefore become a key reference point in the continuing debate over Anambra’s financial position at the end of Obi’s administration and the liabilities inherited by his successor.
