The Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf administration in Kano state has so far discovered a debt profile of N500 billion incurred by the past APC government of Abdullahi Ganduje, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo has said.
Addressing the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) North-west Zonal meeting in Kaduna presided over by the party’s North-west Chairman, Mr. Shehu Bello, the Deputy Governor said the total debt is expected to exceed that figure as the process is still ongoing and more discoveries are expected. Gwarzo however assured the party members and those present at the meeting that his government would not disappoint the people of Kano and NNPP.
The meeting was organized by the NNPP zonal office to congratulate the party for its achievements accomplished in a remarkably short period of time after winning the Kano state gubernatorial elections, some senatorial, Federal House of Representatives and state Houses of Assembly seats in the February/March 2023 general elections.
According to the Deputy Governor, “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.”
Gwarzo also highlighted the efforts of the current Kano state government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in managing the available resources judiciously. He said Governor Yusuf ensured full payment of salaries to state workers and also resolved outstanding issues. “Upon assuming office, Governor Abba Kabir ordered the full payment of salaries. Prior to our administration, people’s salaries were severely deducted.
“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,” he added.
Meanwhile, a communique signed and read at the end of the meeting by the NNPP North-west Chairman, Mr. Bello, commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for fulfilling his campaign promises to the citizens of Kano state. Bello also lauded the party’s state and national lawmakers for their steadfastness and dedication to the well-being of the Nigerian people.
He expressed confidence that the party’s members in the National Assembly would make significant contributions to the nation’s growth, leveraging on their knowledge and experience.
