Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Brewery Controversy, Points to Economic Impact and Development Legacy

 

Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has offered a detailed defense of his administration’s investment in a brewery project in the state. Amid mounting criticisms and debates over the value of that investment, Obi appeared on Arise News on Monday to address the issue head-on.

Describing the brewery as the state’s most significant economic asset, Obi emphasized its far-reaching impact on Anambra’s internal revenue and job creation. He recounted the uphill battle he faced convincing investors to see potential in the state, especially at a time when Anambra was viewed as hostile to investment.

Obi expressed frustration over what he described as unwarranted skepticism. “If I ever tell you what I suffered for that brewery to be built in Anambra State, you will not believe it,” he told host Rufai Oseni. “I had to go out trying to attract business to Anambra State. The biggest revenue source for Anambra today is that brewery.”

Taking a swipe at detractors who claim the state's stake in the brewery has depreciated, Obi countered with sarcasm: “Thank you very much. I wish other people in Nigeria invested in something that went down. That’s not smart.” The former governor maintained that the investment has proven sustainable, noting the brewery provides direct employment for at least 500 people and indirectly supports over 5,000 more, including distributors and logistics operators.

Critics, according to Obi, often fail to understand the context and challenges surrounding the brewery’s establishment. He drew comparisons with similar ventures in other states, questioning why Anambra’s own investment has become a subject of scorn. “They have the biggest brewery in Ogun State. Have you ever heard anybody say in Ogun State, oh, the brewery is this?” he asked, calling out what he believes is a double standard in public discourse.

Obi did not limit his defense to the brewery alone. He took the opportunity to address wider criticisms about his record on poverty alleviation, some of which claim that his tenure worsened economic conditions in the state. Rejecting these allegations, Obi invited critics to review credible development benchmarks.

“You are talking about a narrow interest, a narrow assessment. Go and look at Nigerian Competitive Index,” he responded firmly. According to Obi, from the time he effectively assumed office in 2007 until he left in 2014, Anambra made substantial progress under internationally accepted metrics.

Drawing on Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Obi said global standards—not political narratives—should be the benchmark for evaluating developmental impact. “By the time I ended in 2014, Anambra State under me was number one. It was UNDP that measured it, not me,” he stated. “I was even invited to the United Nations to come and give a speech on what we did.”

Education and healthcare, he noted, were among the standout sectors of his administration, pointing to improvements that earned the state accolades from donor agencies and global development partners. He urged skeptics to consult those who worked on the ground with international organizations during his time in office, asserting that his policies were both people-centric and results-driven.

Obi also reflected on his media strategy—or the lack of one—as a factor contributing to public misunderstanding of his administration’s achievements. “Ask everybody — the only thing I didn’t do well, Rufai, is that I wasn’t in the media. I wasn’t going about paying media people, advertising myself,” he admitted.

Despite the controversies, Obi appeared unshaken in his conviction that his legacy in Anambra remains one of transformation and impact. Known for his austere personal lifestyle, he concluded by reiterating his identity as a leader who stayed connected to ordinary people.

“I believe in simplicity, and I believe in being close to the people,” he said, closing the interview with a subtle nod to the principles that have long defined his political brand.

As the debate over state investments and leadership legacies continues in Nigeria, Obi’s detailed response offers a rare window into the intentions and challenges that shaped one of Anambra’s most significant economic ventures. Whether critics are convinced remains to be seen, but for now, Obi has made it clear: the brewery stands not as a failed investment, but as a symbol of a long-term vision for sustainable growth.