BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
THE Delta State Government has dismissed reports alleging that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori borrowed the sum of N40billion soon after assuming office, insisting the state only guaranteed a loan facility for state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
While describing the online reports as not only misleading, but also capable of creating misunderstanding and confusion in the state, the government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza, on Tuesday, August 27, stressed that the Oborevwori administration has not borrowed any money till now, saying the records are there for anybody who cares for the truth to verify.
He stated: “What the Oborevwori administration did was to graciously guarantee a N40billion loan facility for ALGON to enable it offset the unpaid pension liabilities of retired local government personnel.
“Repayable over a five-year period, the loan is to be repaid through direct debits to the local government councils.
“The so-called N465billion debt amount is actually the existing debt profile accumulated by previous administrations in the state. Oborevwori, as many would testify, is a prudent manager of resources and has done the right thing by keeping to the terms of repayment as specified in the loan agreements, and deserves commendation, not condemnation, for being a man of honour and integrity.”
The commissioner noted that debt servicing/repayment improves the credibility of any administration and it is only a well run economy that can embark on debt servicing and still maintain its developmental vision and focus for the welfare and well being of its citizens.
Osuoza appealled to the media to always cross-check their facts, as the ethics of the profession demands, before rushing to publish, saying the governor maintains an open door policy and is committed to transparency and accountability in the administration of the state.
