- Says Gov Has Not Borrowed A Dime
BY PATRICK MGBODO
Delta State Government, yesterday, challenged those spreading allegations that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori borrowed N40 billion shortly after assuming office to prove their claims and stop misleading the public.
In a statement issued to The Pointer, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, dared peddlers of the fake news to produce evidence, reiterating that the Oborevwori administration has not taken out any loans since coming into power.
Osuoza clarified that the administration had only guaranteed a N40 billion loan facility for the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to settle unpaid pension liabilities for retired Local Government workers.
The information commissioner stressed that the arrangement does not involve the state government directly borrowing funds, and any attempt to twist the facts is baseless.
‘’The Delta State Government notes with serious concern some reports in some online media platforms alleging that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori borrowed the sum of N40billion soon after assuming office.
‘’The reports are not only misleading but also capable of creating misunderstanding and confusion in the State. To avoid doubt, I wish to state categorically that the Delta State Government did not borrow N40 billion, and the Oborevwori administration has not borrowed any dime till now. The records are there for anybody who cares for the truth to verify.’’ Dr. Osuoza stated.
The state’s spokesman urged the public to disregard the misleading reports. He also addressed the state’s debt profile, explaining that the N465 billion debt being circulated in some quarters is inherited from previous administrations, not a reflection of the current government’s fiscal actions.
‘’For the umpteen times, let me also state without equivocation that the so-called N465 billion debt amount is the existing debt profile accumulated by previous administrations in the State.
‘’Governor Oborevwori, as many would testify, is a prudent manager of resources and has done the right thing by keeping to the repayment terms specified in the loan agreements. The Governor deserves commendation, not condemnation, for being a man of honour and integrity.
‘’Debt servicing/repayment improves the credibility of any administration in the global financial community as a serious-minded and progressive administration, which will enjoy the respect and support of financial institutions.
‘’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 wellbeing of its citizens, as the Oborevwori administration has continued to do’’ he said.
The government called on the media to adhere to professional ethics by verifying facts before publication, maintaining that Governor Oborevwori’s administration is committed to transparency and responsible governance.
