We Should Give Obi Benefit Of the Doubt; He Knows What a Loan is, He Was Chairman Of Fidelity-Chizea

 We Should Give Obi Benefit Of the Doubt; He Knows What a Loan is, He Was Chairman Of Fidelity-Chizea

Economist and financial affairs analyst Boniface Chizea has called for caution in interpreting Peter Obi’s position on the loans associated with his tenure as governor of Anambra State, arguing that the former governor should be given the benefit of the doubt rather than having his intentions second-guessed.

Chizea made the remark during an interview with Arise News on Sunday, September 27, 2026, amid the ongoing dispute between Obi and the Anambra State Government over the nature and extent of loans linked to his administration.

The controversy has centred on Obi’s assertion that he did not take commercial bank loans or issue bonds during his tenure, while records cited in the debate indicate that Anambra State participated in multilateral loan programmes supported by institutions such as the World Bank.

Speaking on how Obi’s comments should be understood, Chizea said there was no need to speculate about the former governor’s precise thought process. He argued that Obi’s extensive experience in finance and business meant he was familiar with the concept of borrowing and financial obligations.

Chizea specifically referenced Obi’s career before entering politics, noting that he had served as Chairman of Fidelity Bank and had established himself as a seasoned businessman.

“We shouldn't second-guess his exact thought process, but we should give him the benefit of the doubt. He knows what a loan is. Before becoming governor, he was the Chairman of Fidelity Bank and a grounded businessman.”

Chizea’s comments come as the loan controversy continues to feature prominently in the political debate surrounding Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election.