“Why I Saved Up N75 Billion in the State Account before Handing Over” – Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the ex-governor of Anambra State, opened up on the reason he saved money for the state during his tenure.

Obi had announced while leaving office that he was handing over N75 billion to his successor, Chief Willie Obiano.

The explanation by the governor is coming after Charles Soludo revealed on national television that he met only a paltry N300 million in the coffers of the government, with a debt profile of over N400 billion.

Obi gave the reason behind his decision to save in a press release by his media aide, Mr Valentine Obienyem.

He said: “Often some people who are not experts in finance and statecraft question the rationale behind savings which Obi embarked on out of mischief, display of continued opposition, hatred or pure ignorance.

“I often express surprise at their viewpoints, because even among animals, we see the practice of saving for tomorrow out of today’s surplus. However, among the human family, we need not save only when there is surplus.

“If, for example, one plans to buy a car next year, would one not start saving money for that? Savings is about planning and, as Obi always said, If you do not plan, you have planned to fail.

“As for those in the habit of arguing against what they do not understand, I hope you will commend the debt burden that will weigh Anambra down as revealed by Prof. Charles Soludo. May I present to you the rationale behind Obi’s savings in the State as he himself explained.

“Unfortunately, we live in a system where people do not think about tomorrow and do not plan for future generations but would prefer to obliterate accumulated income and put the state in debt before exiting office.

Such a man is needed in Nigeria to rediscover herself, these are the reasons he is qualified for leadership at any level.