Ganduje left over N500bn debt — Kano Deputy Governor

Kano state government has alleged that the immediate past All Progressives Congress (APC) government of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje left the state with a debt burden of over N500 billion.

Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo stated this in Kaduna while chairing the North-West Zonal Meeting of the New Nigerian People Party (NNPP).

He said the debt owed by the past government may be in excess of N500 billion at the end of the ongoing verification process.

The deputy governor said the huge debt impeded the smooth take-off of the NNPP government in Kano.

While pointing out the remarkable achievements accomplished by the government within the short period of assumption of governance, Abdussalam, assured party chieftains and members at the meeting that, 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.”

He also highlighted the efforts of the current Kano state government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in managing the available resources judiciously saying, “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.”