Categories: AFRICA

Nigeria: Immediate Past Anambra Governor Obiano Arrested at Lagos Airport En Route Texas

Immediate past governor of Anambra State Willie Obiano, who had been on anti-graft institution EFCC’s watchlist for months, was arrested at about 8.30pm on Thursday, while on his way out of Nigeria to Houston, Texas in the United States.

THISDAY gathered that the EFCC had requested the Nigeria Immigration Service to inform it anytime the former governor was travelling out of the country from any of the international airports, as well as other points of entry and exit.

Although THISDAY could not ascertain why EFCC placed Obiano on a watchlist and subsequently arrested him, sources, however, claimed the move was a clear indication that the agency had been quietly looking into his activities and might have gleaned intelligence that he was planning to escape after handing over power.

Meanwhile, political differences notwithstanding, a former governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi, has said despite being from a different party from Soludo and even campaigning against him during the elections, his ultimate desire was to see a better Anambra State that ensures the well-being of the people.

Obi, who stated that politics, for him, was about building a better society, especially, for the less privileged, because government or governance, was all about caring for the people, however, expressed optimism Soludo would do well.

Addressing journalists at the inauguration ceremony, Obi argued that, considering Soludo’s background, he was confident that he would commit to the critical areas of development, which he listed to include education, health and poverty alleviation, even as he expressed hope that the new governor would fulfill his campaign promises.

“I will continue to remember our new governor and other leaders in my prayers, so that they can continue to make the right decisions for the good of our dear nation, Nigeria,” Obi concluded.