The Kano State Government has disclosed that the former governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje left office with a debt of over N500 billion.
The State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, stated this in Kaduna State while chairing the North-West Zonal meeting of the New Nigerian People Party (NNPP).
He said the debt owed by the past administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may be more than 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, insisting the total debt will be announced to Nigerians after verification.
He noted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is managing the available state resources judiciously to ensure payment of salaries and outstanding issues.
While pointing out the remarkable achievements accomplished by the government within the short period of assumption of office, Abdussalam revealed there are plans to commence the disbursement of retirement gratuities.
He also assured party chieftains and members at the meeting that the 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.
“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.”