Obi Leaves N75bn In Anambra Coffers

Outgoing Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi yesterday presented his “End of Tenure Report” to people of the state, saying his administration has left N75 billion in the coffers for the incoming administration. He, however, excluded giving account for one year, saying it was the period covering his illegal impeachment from office.

Speaking at the Women Development Centre, Awka, the state capital, venue of the televised event attended by members of the Federal Government Economic Management Team of which he is a member, led by business mogul and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who chaired the event, among others, Obi said the money included N25 billion investment for the state.

Obi broke down the savings by informing that expected bank balances as at March 14 would be N11.5 billion; federal government approved refund is N10 billion; foreign currency investment of (US$155m) N26 billion.

He gave account of the investments made by the state in some projects being executed including INTAFACT (N3.5 billion); Nigeria independent Power Project (N9 billion); Orient Petroleum Resources PLC (N4 billion); Onitsha Hotel (N1 billion); Agulu Lake Hotel (N1 billion); Awka Shopping Mall (N0.9 billion), Quoted investment portfolio (N350 million), among others.

Obi explained further that his administration received about N620 billion and N20 billion from Federal Allocation and interventions from donor agencies and development partners respectively. He noted that in spite the state’s low revenue profile, his government was able to complete over 801 kilometers of roads that gave access to all parts of the State and opened up rural areas.

He also noted that his administration’s partnership with the Church transformed and repositioned the education and Health sector to meet the needs of the people.

In his speech, the incoming Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, assured that his administration would build on the foundation laid by Obi and sustain his interventions in schools and hospitals as well as attract people in Diaspora and other investors to set up businesses in the State.

In his remarks, Chief Anyoku said the occasion was a celebration of success in governance that brought recognizable transformation in all sectors through indisputable prudent and judicious use of public resources.

The coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala said she was proud of the governor and his achievements in office.

She recalled that unlike other politicians, Obi did not abandon projects started by his predecessors; he attracted viable foreign direct investments, encouraged and empowered indigenous investors and industrialists to grow and expand.

Other notable speakers such as Dangote, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, among others, eulogized Obi, saying he had indeed rescued the state and laid a solid foundation for a better Anambra.

Information Nigeria had earlier reported that the event which forms part of activities lined up towards Gov. Obi’s eventual hand-over to his successor on March 17, was organized by the Anambra State Elders Council, led by Dr. Dozie Ikedife.