The immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has told Governor Chukwuma Soludo to fulfil his promise to pay disengagement allowance to all political appointees who worked under him.
Obiano, who was governor in Anambra State between 2014 and 2022, recalled that Soludo made the promise in his countryhome, Aguleri at the point of his departure.
Recall that the Obiano regime was characterized with massive political appointments, which unconfirmed sources put at over 5000, putting a big hole in the state coffers
Many of the appointees at the time were alleged to be acquaintances and children of friends of the governor and his cronies living outside the state and even Nigeria, most of who made little or contribution towards the development of the state.
Soludo had at various fora, insisted that due to the state’s very poor financial standings, his government cannot afford the luxury of wasteful appointments as was seen in the past.
According to Soludo, anyone his administration will hire must have some value they are bringing to the state.
However, in a statement issued by his media adviser, Mr. Tony Nezianya, on Wednesday, Obiano said if the governor cannot re-engage the appointees, he should at least pay their outstanding allowances.
”If you cannot re-engage them, the least you should do is to pay their outstanding allowances.
”This will be a more fitting way to end their glorious tenure, as well as reward them for ensuring your victory during the 2021 Governorship polls,” Obiano said.
The former governor also reacted to reports making the rounds that he will soon dump the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA in the state, on whose platform he was governor for eight years, to join the All Progressives Congress, APC, insisting there is no truth in the reports.
Obiano described himself as a committed member of APGA, stressing that he has no plans to leave the party.
“Obiano’s commitment to APGA is well-known and widely acknowledged,” Nezianya’s statement read.
”Chief Obiano’s eight-year tenure as the Governor of Anambra State consistently demonstrated his dedication and loyalty to APGA, both in words and actions.
“Throughout his time in office, he championed the ideologies and principles of APGA, working tirelessly to promote its agenda and ensure the party’s continued success.
“It is, therefore, evident that Chief Willie Obiano has no plans to abandon APGA to join another political party, whether now or in future.
“His unwavering support for APGA shows his long-standing commitment to the party and its values.
“There are misguided speculation in a section of the media that he plans to jump ship and we urge our people to ignore such speculation.”
