Arthur Eze reveals reason for feud with Gov Obiano, says he’s a ‘small fry’

The faceoff between Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State and oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze, took a new turn at the weekend, as the billionaire businessman insisted he would continue to demand that Obaino, who he called a ‘small fry’, does the right thing.

Eze spoke at his Ukpo home in the Dunikofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday.

He said: “I’m not afraid of anybody. I have installed three African presidents. One of them gave me oil blocks in his country. I have assisted in enthroning many governors in Nigeria.

“I have given a governorship candidate N10bn to assist him prosecute his election. I didn’t know the candidate from Adam. He just approached me and told me about himself and his people; I empthatised with him and gave him the money.

“Obiano is just a small fry. Even this Obiano, I have given him financial assistance as a person and as a governor several times. I have no personal problems with him. My grouse with him is that he is not doing the right things as a governor.

“Many people are suffering under his government. He is not paying the traditional rulers in the state their five per cent entitlement from the Local Government allocation.”

Read also: Obiano suspends 12 traditional rulers over Abuja visit as row with Authur Eze deepens

The faceoff between Eze and the governor recently led to the suspension of 13 traditional rulers for their close relationship with the businessman.

Reacting to Eze’s outburst, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C-Don Adinuba, said officials of the state government had decided to maintain “dignified silence” on comments by Eze.

He however warned Eze not to provoke the state government to start probing his abandoned contracts with the state “because we have his dossier.”

Adinuba said: “What he is saying is not relevant and worth replying to. But I think the emergency activism of Arthur Eze baffles everybody and it’s funny. He’s not known for activism. I want to believe he has not forgiven Governor Obiano for beating him all-round in his Dunikofia Local Government Area in a recent election in the state.”

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