Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has defended former Anambra State governor Peter Obi over recurring disputes surrounding his fiscal record, clarifying that Obi never asserted his administration left the state entirely debt-free.
Appearing on the political interview programme KAA Truths, Yesufu maintained that public interpretations of the former governor’s financial stewardship conflate institutional sovereign debt with unpaid commercial liabilities to private contractors.
The clarification addresses long-standing fact-checks and Debt Management Office (DMO) records showing that Anambra State held approximately $30 million in external liabilities and over ₦3 billion in domestic commitments by the conclusion of Obi’s tenure in 2014.
Interviewer questions noted that while Obi previously stated on national television that he left office without owing anyone, independent reviews by media organisations established ongoing debt servicing figures registered with federal debt regulators.
Responding to the contention, Yesufu explained that government operations structurally involve debt instruments, arguing that Obi’s statements specifically referred to settling executed public works contracts.
“Obi didn’t say he didn’t owe as a governor, he only said he didn’t owe any contractor who had finished their work,” Yesufu said.
She stated that all state governments carry statutory obligations and that the core measure of public fiscal responsibility remains the application and productivity of borrowed capital rather than an absolute absence of debt.
The activist added that critics frequently take public statements out of context, drawing parallels to previous controversies where Obi’s remarks on appointments were misconstrued.
She advised that inquiries regarding the precise breakdown and portfolio servicing of legacy debts contracted by the state should be directed to the former governor directly.
