Ahead of the March 16, 2022 change of government in Anambra State, the has placed the out-going governor of the state, Chief Willie Obiano, on  its watch list.

 

Outgoing Anambra State governor, Willie Obinano, has been placed on the watch list of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, it was learnt.

 

Obiano, a two-term governor, will be leaving office on March 16, 2022, at the expiration of his second term of four years.

 

But in a letter written to the  Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service dated November 15, 2021, EFCC asked the NIS to Obiano on a watch list. It also requested the sister organization to inform it anytime the governor  is travelling out of the country from any of the international airports or any other points of entry and exit.

 

Obiano will hand over to Prof Charles Soludo, the winner of the November 16, 2021 governorship election in the State held to elect the governor’s successor.

 

By the provisions of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, sitting governor and presidents and their deputies ( and Vice President) have immunity which shields them any criminal investigations or arrests. The immunity expires immediately the governor’s term ends.

 

Many former governors in Nigeria have had brushes with the anti-graft agency, which has arrested, prosecuted and jailed some of them for embezzlement of public funds while in office.