The Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, says his administration is unable to pay workers’ salaries because of the huge debts inherited from the government of his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Addressing a town hall meeting in Kaduna Saturday, Sani said his administration inherited a huge debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion and 115 contractual liabilities from his predecessor.
The governor said N7 billion out of the N10 billion federal allocation for Kaduna in March was deducted to service the state’s debt.
He said the N3 billion, which the state was left with, was not enough to pay salaries as the state’s monthly salary bill stood at N5.2 billion.
According to him, owing to the rise in exchange rate, the state is now paying back almost triple of what was borrowed by the previous administration.
He, however, noted that despite the debt inherited, his administration had not borrowed a single kobo in the last 9 months.
“Despite the huge debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion and 115 contractual liabilities sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development.
“We have conducted a thorough assessment of our situation and are sharpening our focus accordingly.
“It gladdens my heart to inform you that despite the huge inherited debt on the state, till date, we have not borrowed a single kobo,” he said.
Sani listed the key priority areas of his government to include safety and security, housing, education and health care, as well as support for micro, small and medium enterprises.
The governor said his government would also prioritise inclusive development by investing in human capital, stimulating the economy and providing affordable housing.
In his remarks, a former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (retd), urged efforts towards addressing the security challenges facing the state, noting that without peace and security, no meaningful development could be achieved.
He commended Governor Sani for cutting the cost of governance, asking residents of the state to support the government in overcoming the debt challenge.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamali, expressed optimism that the state would overcome its challenges. He said the governor had the capability to turn the economy of the state around for effective development.
The emir pledged the support of all the traditional rulers in the state to the government.
You’re trying to cover your incompetence–Ex-gov’s son
In a veiled reference to the governor’s claims, a son of El-Rufai, Bashir, in a post on his X handle yesterday, said the governor was only trying to cover his administration’s incompetence.
He alleged that Governor Sani had “deflected” from his responsibilities and abandoned his duty as governor.
“These guys have realised that they are wholly incompetent and the only way to mask the nonsense is to deflect. From a Governor who is always sleeping in Abuja to a litany of incompetent aides who were only rewarded for foolish political reasons,” he said.
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