Obi's Aide Denies ₦36 Million Debt Allegation, Exposes Contractor's Motives

The media assistant to Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Valentine Obienyem, has firmly denied allegations that Obi's administration owed a contractor ₦36 million at the end of his tenure in 2014.

The claim was made by Ikem Okeke from the Nri community in Anaocha local government area, who alleged that the debt was for a completed project.

Obienyem responded to these accusations with a press statement in Awka, emphasizing that the allegations are baseless and aimed at tarnishing Obi's reputation.

He pointed out that six months before the end of Obi’s administration, public announcements were made urging contractors with unpaid claims to come forward for resolution.

"It is interesting that only one individual has come up with such claims," Obienyem remarked, highlighting that over 5,000 suppliers and contractors worked with the state during Obi's leadership.

The aide further suggested that Okeke's motives might be politically driven, noting that Okeke's mother served as a commissioner for Education under Obi's government.

This connection raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, especially since Obi had a policy against awarding contracts to relatives of those in government positions. Obienyem called on investigative journalists to delve into any benefits Okeke might have received, which would contradict this policy.