Nigerians are demanding documented evidence following claims by the Anambra State government that the current administration is burdened by debts from previous leadership.
The controversy follows statements made by the Anambra Commissioner for Finance, Izuchukwu Okafor, who asserted that Governor Charles Soludo’s administration is still servicing loans and other financial obligations left by former Governor Peter Obi and other past officials.
The remarks have triggered widespread skepticism on social media, with citizens calling for the government to publish a detailed breakdown of the alleged debts to settle the dispute.
During a recent podcast appearance, Okafor suggested that the financial constraints facing the Soludo administration are a direct consequence of the fiscal decisions made by his predecessors. This assertion has placed a spotlight on the state’s balance sheet and the political friction between the current government and supporters of the former governor.
The claims regarding past debts and attacks on Peter Obi have met immediate resistance from the public, with many questioning the lack of transparency regarding the specific figures and creditors involved.
Pressure for fiscal transparency grows
The debate is complicated by the political reputation of Peter Obi, who served as the governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2015. Obi’s administration was widely recognised for its fiscal discipline and for maintaining a low debt profile, a fact that many citizens cite when questioning the validity of Okafor’s statements.
Critics argue that if the Soludo administration is indeed servicing significant inherited debts, the government should provide official audit reports and debt schedules to the public. The current absence of such documentation has led to accusations that the claims are politically motivated to shift blame for current economic challenges within the state.
Political analysts suggest that this tension reflects the ongoing rivalry between the Soludo-led administration and the political movement associated with Obi. As the debate intensifies, the government faces increasing pressure to move beyond verbal claims and provide verifiable financial data.
The Anambra State Ministry of Finance has yet to release a formal response or a comprehensive debt schedule to address the growing public demand for clarity.
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