But Charles, as a journalist I don’t expect you to appear helpless. You can also approach DMO and world bank for these facts as advised by Mr. Peter Obi.
My interview with Peter Obi a few days ago on Arise Prime Time focused largely on the Obi-Soludo debt row.
At the heart of it was a World Bank facility. It was not a commercial bank loan. It was a world bank multilateral development credit, offered to selected states, with a federal government sovereign guarantee.
The terms are long-term, near-zero interest, tied to specific reforms, such as budget transparency, fiscal sustainability, education, etc.
The crucial distinction is between approved vs draw down. Peter Obi's position is that he agreed to it but did not draw down. He did not access it.
Technically, that can be true. The loan facility is approved and signed at the federal executive council/world bank level, and the state signs a subsidiary agreement. But money only enters the state's account when it meets disbursement conditions and requests drawdown.
Obi says he left the money untouched in the pipeline and that he left savings, not debt on the books.
The Soludo camp's position is that he signed off on it. Also true. And this is where the fight is. Soludo's team argues approval is commitment - once signed, Anambra was on the hook, and that's why it shows up in the Debt Management Office records as inherited liability.
Obi's supporters say his successor chose to draw it. Obi showed discipline by not touching it. Obi approved it and signed Anambra onto it, but says he never drew down a kobo - his successor did.
So where does it go from here? Will both sides publish the DMO statements and drawdown dates, and let the documents settle who signed what, when it was drawn, and what it was spent on?
And with 2027 politics already in the air, will this row give the Nigerian people a clear audit of what was met, what was left, and what they still owe? Or just more politics and a sabre-rattling war of words?
If it’s a UK school, don’t resign. If you can, hold off the sponsorship for 3 years till you become eligible to proceed on study leave. If it’s another country with better immigration and job prospects and you can bet on yourself, go for it.
“Every Nigerian is important to us, this flood is in Nigeria, no matter the state you’re coming from we will look after you”
Peter Gregory OBI, NDC Presidential candidate addressing victims of flood from Kogi State who came to seek refuge in Anambra state during his time as the state governor.
“Soludo grossly mismanaged the banking consolidation exercise & left behind massive liabilities that AMCON eventually had to clean up at a staggering cost of roughly ₦5.67 Trn.”
— Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, DG WTO.
I am deeply disturbed by the reported unrest in Minna, the capital of Niger State, following the deaths of more than 30 youths, including minors while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The victims were arrested on 15 and 16 September 2026 at mining sites in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna.
This tragic loss of life is yet another painful occurrence that must not go unanswered.
The Niger State Government and the Federal Government must promptly, thoroughly, independently, and transparently investigate how a detention of only one to two days could escalate into a catastrophe that claimed the lives of young people, including children. Those found responsible must face the full weight of the law, not merely internal or administrative sanctions.
I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and all those affected by this tragedy. - RMK