The Kano State Government, under the leadership of the immediate past Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of the All Progressive Congress, is alleged to have left the State with a debt burden of over N500 billion.
This revelation was made by the State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, during his chairing of the North-West Zonal meeting of the New Nigerian People Party, NNPP, in Kaduna State.
He further mentioned that the debt owed by the previous administration could be even higher than N500 billion once the ongoing verification process is completed. The substantial debt has hindered the smooth commencement of the NNPP government in Kano, and the exact figure will be disclosed to the public after verification.
He said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is managing the available State resources judiciously to ensure payment of salaries and outstanding issues.
While pointing out the remarkable achievements accomplished by the government within the short period of assumption of office, Gwarzo disclosed that there are plans to commence the disbursement of retirement gratuities.
He also assured party chieftains and members at the meeting that the NNPP-led government would not disappoint the people of Kano.
He said: “We came into office inheriting a government that left us with nothing but debt. Initially, it was N300 billion, but now it is approaching N500 billion, and we are still counting. Once we complete the assessment, we will inform Nigerians, especially our fellow Kano residents, about the total debt left behind.
“Governor Yusuf ensured full payment of salaries to State workers and resolved outstanding issues, and upon assuming office, he ordered the full payment of salaries which was not the case prior to our administration.
“Furthermore, due to Governor Yusuf’s compassion, starting this month, the State will be disbursing retirement gratuities, especially the death benefits to families of deceased retirees. The first beneficiaries will be those from levels one to six, as they are junior staff who have suffered the most. We have allocated N6 billion for this purpose.
The screening process is underway, and by the end of this month, many people will receive their death benefits and gratuities. This initiative will continue, and our goal is to clear all outstanding gratuities within the next two years”.
Crediblenews.ng
