Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has once again defended his long-standing claim that he left office in 2014 with approximately $150 million and N36 billion in state savings, insisting that the funds were legitimately invested in three commercial banks and remain fully traceable. Speaking during an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, which was published on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, Obi dismissed allegations that he personally benefited from the state's funds and challenged his critics to provide evidence of any wrongdoing.
Obi explained that the savings were not hidden but were transparently placed in financial instruments. He detailed the breakdown of the investments, stating that Anambra State had $50 million and N12 billion in Diamond Bank, another $50 million and N12 billion in Fidelity Bank, and a further $50 million and N12 billion in Access Bank at the time he handed over office. According to him, the dollar deposits were invested in bonds at publicly known rates and did not result in losses to the state. He invited sceptics to verify the records, saying: "Go to those banks. Let me start with the dollar. 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."
Responding to claims that he deposited Anambra State funds in banks with which he allegedly had affiliations, Obi said critics were entitled to their opinions but maintained that the records were open for scrutiny. "Whatever you do, people have their views," he said. He further challenged his detractors to identify any other Nigerian state where a governor left office with comparable savings. "Today, who else has saved? Show me any other sub-national state in this country where a governor has left with savings. One. And I'll stop running," he declared.
Obi has consistently cited the savings as evidence of prudent financial management during his administration between 2006 and 2014. His claims have been supported by some former banking executives, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who previously confirmed that some of the funds were invested in financial instruments. However, Obi's successor, Willie Obiano, and other critics have disputed the narrative, arguing that the administration inherited outstanding liabilities, including debts owed to contractors, and questioning whether the claimed savings reflected the state's actual financial position.
The interview has reignited debate over Obi's fiscal record, with supporters hailing his transparency and critics demanding a more comprehensive audit of the state's finances during his tenure. As Obi continues his presidential campaign ahead of the 2027 elections, his financial stewardship in Anambra remains a central theme of his political narrative, one he is determined to defend against all challengers.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments