Gombe Debt Burden Rises to 119Billion, As Governor takes Swipe on the past administration.
This starkly revelation was made by Alh. Muhammad Kabir Ahmad OON at the submission of the final Report of the transition committee today in Gombe . The committee which was inaugurated on the 2nd April, 2019 submitted it interim report on Saturday 11th, May 2019 which addressed the quick fixes only.
Ahmad, blamed the failure of past administration to make available the handover notes before the end of their tenure or allow the transition committee to interact with the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies. He said “A careful review of the state’s fiscal position indicated that since 2011, the previous administration had embarked on expansionary fiscal policy largely financed by consistent borrowings. The local debts alone increased from N 5.95Billion in 2011 to N63.45 at the end of may 2019. This had led to the rising debt profile which stood at N119B as at 29th may 2019. Also, the total debt included N14.83B outstanding gratuities and pension. While the sum of N638.90M is being deducted from the statutory allocation to service various loans on a monthly basis. ” Towards the end of may 2019, the state received the sum of N11.71 B including N5.6B Paris clubs Refund, out of which N3.01 B was paid as consultancy fees. We understand the fees were in respect of the total N31.26 B Paris club Refund received by the state” he noted.
Meanwhile Ahmad, called for a reduction of ministries in the state from 27 to 16 ministries for the purpose of effectiveness. He also emphasized on political will for recommendations such of these to be put to use. “We have no doubt of your capacity to push through this ,It is our hope that you will assemble a team of people with character that will assist you, those who have the capacity , dedication and commitment to complement your character” he added.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, thanked the committee for doing meritoriously well in completing the task given to them . He appealed to them not to hesitate in making known their views where necessary he said “Thank you for leaving your businesses and private concerns in helping the state.”one is surprised that a former Accountant General that has served Nigeria will allow finance management to get to this level in a small state like Gombe. “There must have been a conducive environment for such to thrive.
“The summary of it all is that the previous administration was Clueless, Heartless and Reckless” he stated.