The Kano State Government has claimed that the immediate past governor of the state, Abdullahi Ganduje, left office with a debt burden of over N500 billion in the state.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Abdussalam Gwarzo, made the claim on Friday in Kaduna State while chairing the North-West Zonal meeting of New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP.
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According to him, the debt inherited by the current administration may be in excess of N500 billion at the end of the ongoing verification process.
Mr Gwarzo explained that the huge debt impeded the smooth take-off of the NNPP government in the state.
While pointing out the remarkable achievements accomplished by the Governor Abba Yusuf-led administration inception, Mr Gwarzo 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.”
He also highlighted the efforts of the current administration in the state in managing the available resources judiciously.
Mr Gwarzo said: “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 Kabir 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.”
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