Peter Obi Releases Handover Documents Showing ₦86.67bn Net Balance in Anambra
Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate Peter Obi has released his 2014 handover documents in response to ongoing claims over the financial obligations inherited by successive administrations in the state.
The handover report, dated March 17, 2014, contained a summary of Anambra State’s financial position as of the close of business on March 14, 2014.
According to the document, the state had total assets and balances of ₦91.67 billion, comprising ₦27 billion in local investments, ₦26.5 billion in foreign currency investments, ₦28.17 billion in certified state and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) balances, and a ₦10 billion Federal Government refund.
The document further listed estimated liabilities of ₦5 billion, covering March salaries, pensions, gratuities and approved certificates for already executed projects. After deducting the liabilities, the report stated a net balance of ₦86.67 billion.
The documents were made public amid a renewed dispute between Obi and the Anambra State Government over loans and other financial obligations allegedly inherited from previous administrations.
Former Secretary to the Anambra State Government under Obi, Oseloka Obaze, also said he was present when the handover documents were presented to then-incoming Governor Willie Obiano. He stated that Obiano received and acknowledged the documents, which he said included certified bank statements and related financial records.
However, the Anambra State Government has maintained that the state is still servicing loans inherited from previous administrations, with officials citing outstanding external loan balances. The competing positions have renewed public debate over the state’s financial position at the end of Obi’s tenure in 2014.
The release of the handover documents has consequently placed renewed attention on the importance of publicly documenting government finances during transitions between administrations