Yahaya pays N33b out of N100b owed by Dankwambo’s administration – Transition Committee
Chima Azubuike
The Chairman of Gombe State transition management committee Dr Ibrahim Daudu, says the Muhammadu Yahaya’s administration has paid about N33billion from the N100billion inherited in 2019 from the Ibrahim Dankwambo’s administration.
Daudu made this disclosure during the submission of 2023 report at the banquet hall, Government House.
Recall that in 2019 upon the declaration of Muhammadu Yahaya’s election victory assembled a transition committee with Mallam Muhammad Ahmad as Chairman.
While submitting four volumes report to the governor, Ahmad said the previous administration had embarked on expansionary fiscal policy largely financed by consistent borrowings, thereby increasing the debt to N119 billion as at May 29, 2019.
Our correspondent reports that Daudu’s committee comprised of 10 members, and they had five weeks upon constitution on May 26, 2023.
According to Daudu, “During the course of our work, we were able to determine that out of over N100 billion in debt inherited from the previous administration, your administration has paid approximately N33 billion.”
He commended the governor for leading an administration centred on prudence and accountability, adding that, “Also, by implementing prudent public financial management, the state has received N26 billion through the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability programme, making it the 4th most successful state in public financial management in the country.”
He commended Yahaya’s administration for clearing some of the backlog owed retirees despite the paucity of resources, Daudu said, “Also noteworthy is the payment of N6 billion in backlog gratuities owed to retirees in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. As far as we are aware, this is the largest payment of gratuity made by any government in Gombe State. All these projects, programmes and policies have enabled the state to be more accessible, have better healthcare, and improved the education system.”
“They are a testament to the government’s commitment to the development of the state. They have also provided jobs and economic opportunities for many people.
It is particularly important to acknowledge the challenges you faced upon assuming office in 2019, including the global pandemic of Covid-19 and the subsequent economic recession.
“Despite these difficulties, you were able to lead the state to success, making strategic decisions that enabled our state to weather the economic crisis. Your leadership and vision enabled Gombe to remain one of the fastest growing states even during a time of crisis.”
