News

Did Anambra Record 53.7% Poverty Rate Under Peter Obi? [SEE DETAILS]

Published

3 years ago

May 4, 2023

Peter Obi

On April 19, 2023, a Twitter user, @PastorMarvy claimed that Anambra recorded 53.7 per cent poverty rate when the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi was the governor of the state.

@PastorMarvy said this while reacting to a tweet from Obi where he promised to work to mitigate poverty starting from northern Nigeria.

Obi served as the governor of Anambra from March to November 2006, February to May 2007, and June 2007 to March 2014.

The tweets reads: “The guy that had a 53.7% poverty in a population of 4 million as governor of Anambra state wants to pull 128.1 million Northerners out of poverty. This is why many countries sees us as Jokers because what is giving that guy the audacity?” (SIC).

The tweet has generated over 50 retweets and likes as of April 22, 2023.

He later tweeted the photo of President/Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and BUA Group chairman AbdulSamad Rabiu with a caption that reads :

“These are the people Peter Obi wants to pull out of poverty.”

THE CLAIM

Anambra recorded 53.7 per cent poverty rate during Peter Obi’s era as the governor of the state.

THE FINDINGS

Findings by FactCheckHub show that the claim is TRUE.

Poverty is generally defined as a state of being poor.

The 2010 Poverty report by National Bureau of Statistics captures poverty rates across Nigeria based on three different approaches namely: Absolute Poverty Approach, Relative Poverty Approach and Dollar per day.

According to the report, which documents the average poverty headcount rate across Nigerian states, Anambra recorded 53.7% poverty rate between 2009-10 when Obi was the governor of the state.

Between 2003-2004 before Obi became the governor, the poverty rate in the state stood at 41.4% meaning that the figure increased by about 28% under Peter Obi.

FactCheckHub could not access the poverty report for the period when Obi left the office in March 2014 because the National Bureau of Statistics did not release subsequent poverty reports until 2020. The report shows that Anambra’s poverty rate reduced to 14.8% in 2019.

THE VERDICT

The claim that Anambra recorded a 53.7% poverty rate under Peter Obi’s leadership as the governor of Anambra state is TRUE, according to data obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics.
Source: FactCheckHub

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

5 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

5 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

6 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.