Tobias Sylvester
Former Anambra state governor, Peter Obi, has debunked claims that he demanded the sum of N7 billion for installing his successor, Willie Obiano, as the state governor.
Obi spoke during an interactive/stakeholders’ meeting of the Anambra State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party held in Awka, the state capital on Wednesday.
The former governor wondered how he could have left N75bn in the Anambra State treasury, turn around and ask Obiano to give him N7bn out of it.
Obi said he has not received anything from the state government as entitlement or gift, not even a sachet water, since leaving office seven years ago.
“Since I left Anambra State government seven years ago, I have not been given anything, not even a sachet of water by the state government. I still go about my duties, giving donations to schools.
“Not even a letter of commendation or even a Christmas or birthday card has been given to me by the state government. I am, however, not bothered because that is not why I am in politics. I am in politics to contribute to the growth of the country.
“Go and ask anybody, I don’t collect gifts to do favour to people. If you have gift for me, please give it to the needy around you. All the people I have helped to win election, I have never asked for anything in return.
“That is why I feel pained that somebody could say I demanded N7 billion for putting a governor in office. How can you leave N75bn for someone and turn around to tell him to give you N7bn out of it? That does not make sense. My interest in politics is for the right people to be elected, so that our society will be good.”
Obi urged the party delegates to be careful about whom they would elect to fly the flag of the party in the forthcoming governorship election.
“You must vote in people who have capacity to win elections. Not all aspirants or candidates can win election, so you must vote people who can win elections. You must look well before you vote for people that will fly the flag of the PDP.
“I assure you that our primary election will be free, fair and credible Anything short of it, I am not involved and I won’t be part of it. I have no favoured aspirant, and let no one tell you they gave me money or anything because it is not true.
“No aspirant has bought me a sachet of water. In my politics, I don’t believe in anyone giving me anything. I was governor of this state and a lot of you know me. Ask any contractor if they have ever given me anything. That is not the reason I am in politics. I am in politics to help gain a better future for Nigeria,” he added.
