Obiano Did Not Steal Anambra Money – Senator Umeh
Victor Umeh, former national chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), has claimed that Willie Obiano, a former governor of Anambra state, would defend himself against charges of corruption.
He said this in response to the arrest of Obiano by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) only hours after he was turned over to Governor Chukwuma Soludo by the state government.
In a speech delivered on Saturday in Enugu to commemorate the 80th birthday of Professor Uzodimma Nwala, a leading Nigerian philosopher and president general of the Alaigbo Development Foundation, Umeh claimed the anti-graft agency had made it a habit to pursue former governors.
In the opinion of the former congressman, Obiano utilized Anambra funds to construct infrastructure that was visible to the public, which has enraged the opposition.
He said: “It is not new in Nigeria. Most governors, when they leave office, EFCC will swarm on them. He must be given the right to be heard. We don’t know why they arrested him. But I’m sure when they listen to him, he will be able to defend himself.
“One thing I keep telling people is that former governor, Obiano did wonderfully well with Anambra money. He used our money well to the displeasure of those in the opposition. They don’t want to accept it.
“A governor who built an international airport, got it commissioned and working. Planes are coming in there and going and you are still looking for your money. He also built an international conference centre. All these projects he didn’t build them with sand. Apart from meeting the other obligations of running the government, meeting the needs of the people, paying workers salaries, he did so much for Anambra State. That is why we have to be calm to allow the EFCC to finish their job. But I’m confident that Obiano will defend himself”.
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