By Muhammad Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) – Outgoing governor of Kaduna State Muktar Ramalan Yero has announced that his administration is living behind 8.6 billion naira in the state government treasury.
The governor also disclosed that over 73 billion naira would be left as debt for the state.
This is contrary to rumour making the round that the outgoing government is living an empty treasury for the incoming government.
Governor Yero disclosed this in Kaduna while handing over government notes to the incoming governor Nasir El-Rufai.
He said the debt comprises both external and internal sources
“The current debt position of the state as at 28 May, 2015 has been indicated in the compiled notes.
“We are therefore handing over the total debt stock of 73, 933,104,923,22 naira which comprises external and internal debt.
“External loans USD 234,416,052.16 equivalent to N46,062,745,245.51 at the exchange rate of 195.5 naira per dollar as at December, 2014.
“Internal loans Bond- 2.031,612,259.31, naira, contractors Arrears- 23,531,154,819.69 naira, Gratuity Arears- 1,307,592,598.71 naira and CBN MSMEDF- 1,000,000,000.0 which gives total of 27,870,359, 677.71 naira,” he said.
He added that the state government has awarded many projects in the state which some have been completed with the contractors paid.
Yero added that the hand over notes which has comprehensive information would enable successful take – off of his successor.
In his remarks, the incoming governor, Nasir El-Rufai said he was surprised that the situation in the state was not as bad as he thought.
He said they will still go through the notes and hope the outgoing government would be ready to explain areas that need to be explained.
He thanked the outgoing governor for his support, saying with his prayers the new government would succeed in moving the state forward.
He also commend the Transition committee for a job well done.
