Why Obiano Was Placed On EFCC’s Watchlist Revealed

Why Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State was placed on a watchlist by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been revealed.

Recall that the anti-graft agency decided to place the governor under the watchful eyes of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) ahead of the expiration of his tenure.

In a letter to the Comptroller General of the service dated November 15, 2021, the EFCC said it decided to place Obiano on the watchlist in order to prevent him from travelling out of the country.

Responding to the development, the Anambra State government accused disgruntled politicians of using the anti-graft agency to attack Obiano.

The state government also accused the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, of using his office against the governor.

However, the minister debunked allegations that he is targeting the governor and seeking political vengeance on him.

Malami said contrary to the claims of the Anambra State government, he doesn’t influence the activities of agencies and institutions under his ministry.

But according to The PUNCH, governor Obiano was placed on the EFCC watchlist for allegedly mismanaging over N17 billion Paris Club refund and security vote.

The Anambra governor was alleged to have misappropriated over N6bn from the second tranche of the Paris Club refund.

He was said to have inflated the cost of projects in the state including the Umueri International Airport project.

According to the report, the governor was accused of using the airport project to launder and siphon money from the state coffers.

Obiano was also accused of not developing the state as residents complained of bad roads and the absence of infrastructure.

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