Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has defended his claim that he left office in 2014 with about $150 million and ₦36 billion in savings for Anambra State, insisting the funds were lawfully invested and can be independently verified.
Speaking during an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Obi rejected allegations that he personally benefited from the state’s funds, maintaining that all the investments were transparent and properly documented.
“Whatever you do, people have their views,” Obi said while responding to critics of his financial management record.
According to the former governor, Anambra State had $50 million and ₦12 billion invested in each of Diamond Bank, Fidelity Bank and Access Bank when he left office. He noted that the funds were placed in bonds at prevailing market rates and remained fully traceable.
“We had, for example, when I left, I had 50 million dollars in Diamond Bank… 50 million dollars in Fidelity Bank… 50 million dollars in Access Bank,” Obi stated.
He challenged anyone in doubt to verify the records directly with the banks, insisting no part of the state’s investments was mismanaged.
“Go to those banks… There are bonds; the rates are as issued. Everybody knows the rates. Go to them and see if there’s anyone who has been shortchanged,” he added.
Obi also challenged critics to name any Nigerian governor who left office with similar savings, describing his administration’s financial record as evidence of prudent management.
“Show me any other sub-national state in this country where a governor has left with savings. One. And I’ll stop running,” he said.
The savings claim has remained one of Obi’s key talking points since leaving office in 2014. While some former banking executives, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, have defended his position, his successor, Willie Obiano, and other critics have argued that Anambra also inherited outstanding liabilities, questioning whether the reported savings reflected the state’s overall financial position.
Source: Chude Jideonwo Interview.
