JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate Peter Obi, has issued a statement responding to the Anambra State government’s claims, although he said he has no objection to the release of his academic records by the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).
He challenged the Anambra State government to prove that his administration left outstanding debts, salaries, pensions or obligations of contractors.
Obi issued the challenge in a statement posted on his official social media page on Monday while responding to claims by the Anambra State Government that his administration was leaving behind legacy debts, including an ecological loan of N2 billion.
He dismissed the claim as false, saying his administration had already settled gratuities and historic arrears worth over N35 billion.
Obi said there were no outstanding salaries, gratuities or pensions when he handed them over to the state, adding that contractors had also been paid for projects that had been properly implemented and certified.
On the ecology fund, Obi said the N2 billion was disbursed about three months before the end of his term for the Oko/Umuchiana erosion crisis.
He admitted that he refused to spend the money and hand it over to his successor because it was related to a certain project.
According to Obi, the funds are separate from savings worth over N75 billion which he said were abandoned by his administration.
“If anyone thinks otherwise, I will stop campaigning,” Obi said.
Obi in another statement in
Obi said he had given permission to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to make available his academic records and other official documents relating to his admission and studies, in accordance with applicable laws.
His statement follows reports circulating on social media regarding legal action by individuals or groups seeking official copies of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and other academic credentials related to his admission to the university.
He wrote, “I want to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of this record.
“I respectfully request that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, within the limits permitted by law, make available, upon lawful request, my academic certificates, records and other official documents relating to my admission and studies at the University. I also have no objection to other educational institutions, within and outside Nigeria, where I study, providing my academic records in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.”
Obi said he strongly believes in transparency and accountability, especially for individuals seeking public office, but stressed that public scrutiny must be fair, legal and applied consistently to all presidential candidates.
“As a presidential candidate seeking the confidence of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome the legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications and track record. I am prepared to undergo the rigorous scrutiny that anyone aspiring to the highest office in our country should undergo,” he said.
Obi said candidates seeking to occupy the nation’s highest office must be willing to undergo reasonable vetting and demonstrate that they have nothing to hide from the people they seek to serve.
He then challenged other presidential candidates to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for public scrutiny.
“Doing this should not be seen as an inconvenience or an attack. Rather, it is an opportunity to strengthen public trust, increase accountability, and rebuild the confidence of Nigerians in those who wish to govern them,” he said.
Obi added that transparency, integrity and accountability must start from those who want to lead the country.
“Therefore, I welcome scrutiny of my academic background and remain committed to the principle that those who seek the trust of Nigerians must also be willing to earn that trust through openness and accountability,” he added.
