The Delta State Government has reaffirmed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has not borrowed any money since the assumption of office and urged Deltans to discard such rumours, which are capable of creating confusion.
The State government also debunked the allegation in a section of the media that the governor, on the assumption of office, borrowed the sum of N40 billion, noting that the report is not only misleading but also capable of creating misunderstanding in the State.
The Delta State Government, in a statement released and signed by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza, disclosed that what Oborevwori's administration did was to guarantee an N40b loan facility for ALGON to enable it to offset the unpaid pension liabilities of retired Local Government personnel.
According to him; "The Delta State Government notes with serious concern some reports in some online media platforms alleging that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori borrowed the sum of N40 billion soon after assuming office.
"The reports are not only misleading but also capable of creating misunderstanding and confusion in the State. For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to state categorically that the Delta State Government DID NOT Borrow N40 billion. And the Sheriff Oborevwori administration has not borrowed any dime till now. The records are there for anybody who cares for the truth to verify.
"What the Oborevwori administration did was to graciously guarantee an N40b loan facility for ALGON to enable it to 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.
"For the umpteen times, let me also state without equivocation that the so-called N465 billion debt amount is actually 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 terms of repayment as 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 on the welfare and well-being of its citizens, as the Oborevwori administration has continued to do.
"Meanwhile, I appeal to the media, as strategic partners of development, to always cross check as the ethics of the profession demands, before rushing to publish. I wish to reiterate that Governor Oborevwori maintains an open-door policy and is committed to transparency and accountability in the administration of the State, he added.
