Tag: Willie Obiano

  • I have Confidence in Soludo’s Capacity to Rebuild Anambra – Obiano

    I have Confidence in Soludo’s Capacity to Rebuild Anambra – Obiano

    Former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has expressed the confidence in his successor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to face the task of governance in the state.

    The former governor was reacting to rumours that he allegedly tasked Soludo, to finance the senatorial ambition of his wife in return for his election last November.

    In reaction, Obiano in a statement issued by his Chief Publicist, Mr. Tony Nezianya, denied the allegation.

    He said: “I never raised any issues concerning campaign funding for my wife, who is seeking a seat in the Senate to represent Anambra North.

    “I never granted an interview over such matter. The author of such a verse is on a mischievous venture with an aim at causing disharmony. He does not have my authorisation. I state unequivocally that whoever did that is a mischief maker.”

    Obiano, who had stood firm in his support for the candidate of the then All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Soludo, in the last governorship election, insisted that he was the best for the job.

    According to him, “I have not at any forum expressed misgivings about him (Soludo). I never said to anyone or a group that I am disappointed in him.

    ‘’I never said anything like that. I did not at any point discuss my wife’s funding with anyone. That clearly shows the comment is false, and the handiwork of a fake news vendor.

    “I have confidence that Governor Soludo will live up to the high expectations of Ndi Anambra.”

  • EFCC Frees Obiano After Six Days In Detention, Seizes Passport

    EFCC Frees Obiano After Six Days In Detention, Seizes Passport

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Wednesday evening released a former governor of Anambra State on an administrative bail.

    An official at the commission, who confirmed the development to our correspondent, disclosed that Obiano’s “passport was seized by the anti-graft agency as part of his bail conditions.”

    The spokesman for the commission, Wilson Uwujaren, could not be reached for comments as of the time of filing this report.

    Obiano, was nabbed on Thursday at about 8:30pm by the anti-graft agency at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, hours after he left office and handed over to the new Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo.

    He was reportedly on his way to the United States of America when he was apprehended.

    He was subsequently transferred to the headquarters of the commission, where he was quizzed for days over alleged mismanagement of N5 billion Sure-P money, N37 billion security vote, withdrawn in cash, as well as some inflated contracts.

  • Anambra: Obiano’s Administration Left N300m cash, N100bn Debt – Gov Soludo

    Anambra: Obiano’s Administration Left N300m cash, N100bn Debt – Gov Soludo

    Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has said the problems in the state are daunting, but not insurmountable.

    The governor also revealed that the last administration kept N300m in the coffers, but left over N100bn in debts as of December 2021.

    Soludo made the disclosure on Tuesday during an interview with Arise TV.

    The governor’s revelation came after the Economic and Financial Crimes arrested his predecessor, Willie Obiano.

    The former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor stated that other financial transactions of the state from January to date were not yet available.

    He said, “First, in terms of finances, there is an audited account of Anambra as of December 31, 2021, which is a public document that anyone can access. Between the audited accounts as of the end of the year 2021, everyone knows that the state finances are not quite robust.

    “In terms of debt, it is in the range of over N100bn and then cash, which the state has is N300 or N400mn, but we are still going to have all the reconciliations and all the accounts from January to the date when we had the handover.”

    Soludo assured the people of the state that his administration would be people-oriented and focused on delivering the dividends of democracy.

    The governor, who spoke on a number of issues, asserted that his government remained irrevocably committed to improving the welfare and standard of living of the common man in the state.

    He reiterated that the problems to be solved were daunting but not insurmountable.

    He stated that with the support and cooperation of the resourceful people of the state, the problems would be surmounted and a liveable and prosperous homeland would become a reality.

    Soludo lamented the lean resources of the state, but promised that every effort would be made to improve the financial base of the government.

    He maintained that the government would reform the revenue collection system following the ban on the illegal activities of touts, who had been collecting revenue indiscriminately.

    “In terms of the debt I inherited, it runs into hundreds of billions of naira. That of cash, we met about N300m only. In fact, let’s not talk about it. Our treasury is funny. But I hope we shall make money henceforth to help us fulfil our promises for infrastructure and development of the state. But in terms of what I met in our coffers, my brother, it’s pathetic. Please, let us not go there. God will help us,” Soludo stated.

    On his historic visit to Okpoko, the governor said, “The community will be cleaned up with good drainage to avert the perennial flooding, which the area usually experiences anytime it rains.

    “We will emphasise our home-grown economic philosophy with higher demand for Akwete clothes and improved patronage of other locally-produced goods

    “The issues of insecurity and the weekly sit-at-home syndrome will be adequately addressed. The first major meeting I had when I was sworn in was on security issues.”

    He also condemned the sit-at-home as anti-people, especially on the downtrodden and daily business owners, who suffer losses, and pledged that the issue would be resolved.

    “Anambra State intends to have a transparent public finance management where we are going to publish our accounts so that everyone will have knowledge of what is there and what is missing and what funds have been used for what,” Soludo added.

  • EFCC Punishes Officer Who Leaked Obiano’s Video

    EFCC Punishes Officer Who Leaked Obiano’s Video

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it is currently disciplining one of its officers responsible for recording and leaking a video of Ex-Anambra Governor, Willie Obiano while in the agency’s custody.

    The footage, which went viral over the weekend, showed the former governor dressed in a shirt and shorts while in the EFCC’s remand facility.

    In a statement on Monday, the anti-graft agency distanced itself from the trending video, saying that it is at variance with the established standard operating procedure of the Commission.

    EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said a discreet investigation was quickly ordered upon discovery of the leak, adding that the probe revealed the errant officer behind the odious act.

    Uwujaren stressed that the individual is currently being subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.

    This comes a few hours after the Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, revealed that the agency is yet to release the immediate past governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, from its custody because he has yet to meet his bail conditions.

    According to Mr Bawa, Obiano’s arrest by the EFCC was not politically motivated.
    The agency’s boss stated that the ex-governor has since been granted administrative bail.

  • Leaked Obiano’s video in EFCC detention surfaces online

    Leaked Obiano’s video in EFCC detention surfaces online

    A short video of former Anambra Governor Willie Obiano in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s detention has surfaced online.

    In the video which lasted 12 seconds, Obiano was seen sipping water from a bottle.

    He was also discussing with an unidentified person in the video.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said former Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State is being quizzed over the alleged misappropriation of N42 billion belonging to the state.

    The agency had last year placed the former governor on its watch list and also asked the Nigeria Immigration Service to stop him from leaving the country in a letter to the Comptroller-General of Immigration dated November 15, 2021.

    Obiano was arrested by EFCC on Thursday night, hours after handing over to the new Anambra Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

    The EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said, “Obiano has been flown to Abuja (on Friday). He is currently at our Abuja office.

    “Obiano was arrested for alleged misappropriation of public funds, including, N5bn Sure-P and N37bn security vote which was withdrawn in cash. Part of the funds was also allegedly diverted to finance political activities in the state.”

    Meanwhile, the All Progressives Grand Alliance has condemned Obiano’s arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    The party described the arrest of the former governor as a “politically-motivated witch-hunt”, saying that the EFCC had resorted to the use of fifth columnists.

    Addressing journalists in Awka, on Saturday, the National Coordinator, APGA Media Warriors Forum, Evang Chinedu Obigwe, said the allegation that the former governor misappropriated N42bn, out of which N37bn was used to fund political activities was baseless and does not hold water.

    Obigwe said efforts by the EFCC to dent the hard-earned reputation of Obiano would not succeed as he remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

    He said as of today, Nigerians don’t have confidence in the anti graft agency anymore, saying that “when they see the real corrupt politicians joining APC, they would turn to toothless bulldogs.

  • EFCC Quizzes Obiano over alleged misappropriation of N42bn state fund

    EFCC Quizzes Obiano over alleged misappropriation of N42bn state fund

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said former Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra was being quizzed over alleged misappropriation of N42 billion belonging to the state.

    An authoritative source in the EFCC disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
    The source said the former governor was being interrogated over alleged misapplication of N5 billion Sure-P and N37 billion security vote, withdrawn in cash.

    According to the source, part of the funds were also allegedly diverted to finance political activities in the state.
    The Commission on Friday told NAN that the former governor was in its custody undergoing interrogation after his arrest on March 17.

    Obiano was arrested on Thursday at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos and brought to Abuja on Friday morning.

    The commission said the former governor had not been released.

    Mr Wilson Uwujaren, the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFFC, on Friday told NAN that: “The former governor is currently in our custody undergoing interrogation and I cannot say exactly when he will be released. I don’t know how long the exercise will take.

    “All I can tell you now is that he is still in the EFCC custody in Abuja,” he said.

    NAN recalls that Obiano was arrested by EFCC on Thursday night, hours after handing over to the new Anambra Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

  • Watch List: Obiano Still Have A Whole Four Months In Office as Governor, Anambra Govt Slams EFCC

    Watch List: Obiano Still Have A Whole Four Months In Office as Governor, Anambra Govt Slams EFCC

    Anambra State government has reacted to the placement of the state governor Willie Obiano on the watchlist by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Obiano is billed to hand over power to Professor Chukwuma Soludo on March 17, 2021.

    However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed him under its watchlist.

    In a letter to the Nigeria Immigration Service, the anti-graft agency demanded that Obiano’s movement should be monitored.

    In the letter addressed to the Comptroller General of Immigration, the EFCC requested to be informed anytime Obiano is travelling out of the country from any of the international airports, as well as other points of entry and exit.

    But reacting on behalf of the governor, Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Don Adinuba, accused the EFCC of acting a script.

    He said Obiano has four months left to remain in office and the commission went to far by publicly announcing that it is investigating him.

    Adinuba said the governor has made it public that he would relocate to his US base at the end of his tenure.

    “Nigerians were dismayed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) went a new low on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, when it sponsored media reports claiming that it has placed Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State on its watch list. The EFCC provided no details of how Governor Obiano has been placed on its watch list, but made a reference to a letter it purportedly wrote on November 15, 2021, to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) asking it to inform the anti-graft agency anytime the governor is travelling out of the country.”

    “Everything that can be wrong with politically motivated statements like this one is obviously wrong with this statement. The EFCC knows full well that it is acting inelegantly in this instance, and so has tried as much as possible not to make an official public statement on the alleged placing of Chief Obiano on the watch list. It furtively gave a section of the media the news report it wrote based on ostensibly its letter to the NIS on November 15.

    “Governor Obiano is out of the country currently. And he travelled through one of the country’s international airports. He did not disguise himself, but rather left the country with his identity fully disclosed at the necessary immigration point.

    “The EFCC sounded more inelegant when it claimed in the sponsored press report that it received intelligence reports that the governor plans to “flee” from Nigeria once he hands over power next March 17 to the newly elected Anambra State governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo. Chief Obiano has never left any persons in doubt that he will relocate to his base in the United States once he finishes his tenure.

    “As early as Wednesday, March 4, 2020, he announced his decision to a meeting of the Anambra State Council of Elders, comprising such personages as the erstwhile Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe who is also the chairman of both the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers; a former Anambra State governor, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife; an ex-Minister of Women Affairs, Iyom Josephine Anenih, mni; the founding Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Professor Elochukwu Amucheazi; the Archbishop Emeritus of the Anglican Church in Anambra State, The Most Reverend Dr Maxwell Anikwenwa; and the Catholic Bishop of the Awka Diocese, Rev Dr Paulinus Ezeokafor.

    “Governor Obiano has a whole four months to remain in office as the Anambra State chief executive. Nobody in Nigeria can circumscribe his constitutionally conferred immunity which shields him from both criminal and civil prosecution. The EFCC went too far to announce in November that it is observing him. We are not aware of any state governor who had up to four months to be in office and the EFCC went on to sponsor media reports that he was being investigated.”

  • EFCC Places Anambra Governor, Willie Obiano On Watchlist

    EFCC Places Anambra Governor, Willie Obiano On Watchlist

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed the incumbent Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, on a watchlist, ahead of the handover of government in the state.

    This was contained in a letter to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) dated November 15, 2021.

    The EFCC requested the immigration to place Governor Obiano on a watchlist and inform it anytime he is travelling out of the country from any of the international airports, as well as other points of entry and exit.

    It is, however, not clear why the anti-graft agency placed the governor on a watchlist.

    Sources told Channels Television that the move was an indication that the agency may have been discreetly investigating the governor and possibly have intelligence that he was planning to escape after handing over power to his successor, Professor Charles Soludo, on March 16, 2022.

    Sitting governors in Nigeria have immunity from criminal prosecution while in office.

    More to follow…

  • Buhari Not In Support Of State Of Emergency In Anambra – Gov Willie Obiano

    Buhari Not In Support Of State Of Emergency In Anambra – Gov Willie Obiano

    Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano has said that President Muhammadu Buhari is not in support of the proposed state of emergency in the state.

    Obiano stated this on Thursday after a meeting with the President at the villa in Abuja.

    According to the governor, President Buhari does not want any form of intimidation ahead of the polls.

    Governor Obiano who further stated that he has reported the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami to Buhari, described as “unfortunate” the comments suggesting that the State of Emergency could be imposed on Anambra to engender security of lives.

    The governor, while expressing his displeasure at the fact that Malami did not make such an assertion regarding the crisis brewing in other northern states, advised the justice minister to reserve his expressions over such issues.

    The governor also rejected assertions that members of the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state House of Assembly had defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC), explaining that the members were given a hundred million each to join the opposition.

    Following the wave of insecurity ravaging Anambra State and the southeast region in general, the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, announced on Wednesday that a state of emergency may be imposed.

    According to Mr. Malami, the move would be made in a bid to tighten security ahead of the November 6 governorship election in the state.

    Malami said the government will do everything possible to ensure the protection of lives and property adding that where there is evidence of a failure of the state government to ensure democratic order and security of lives, the Federal Government will prevail and will not rule out the possibility of imposing a state of emergency.

    Recent violent events in Anambra have stirred doubts regarding the possibility of holding a free and fair election in the state come November.

    In the last couple of weeks, at least 10 persons have been killed in various attacks across the state, forcing leaders to begin critical deliberations as to how the tide can be stemmed.

    On Tuesday the South-East Governors’ Forum said the ‘Ebube Agu’ security outfit will be established in all five states before the end of the year.

    The governors said this as part of their eight-point agenda during a meeting that took place at the Enugu State Government House.

    “The meeting agreed that the South-East Ebube Agu security outfit is launched in all the southeast states and laws passed in various southeast states before the end of 2021,” the communique read.

    The security outfit was established in April as part of plans to checkmate the rising unrest in the region.

  • Buhari in closed door meeting with Anambra State Governor

    Buhari in closed door meeting with Anambra State Governor

    President Buhari had a closed-door meeting with Anambra state governor, Willie Obiano, at the state House Abuja this morning, October 7.

    The meeting comes hours after the Federal government threatened to declare a state of emergency in the state following the heightened level of insecurity.

    See more photos below…