IPAC Calls for Inquiry into Inherited State Debt

IPAC Calls for Inquiry into Inherited State Debt

By: Femi Mustapha

Following the disclosure of debt burden inherited by Kaduna State Government and its consequence effect on the good people of the state, the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC,) has urged the Government to constitute a commission of inquiry to unravel the mystery behind the huge debt.

The Chairman of the Council, Hon. Ahmed Tijani Mustapha, stated this during a press briefing with newsmen in Kaduna, yesterday.

According to him, it was disheartening to hear the governor, Senator Uba Sani, lamented during a Town Hall Meeting with stakeholders, how the huge debt has made it difficult for his administration to settle workers’ salaries.

He added that the debt has not only crippled the state financially but also prevented its growth and development economically.

The Hon. Chairman opined that as a Council established to facilitate dialogue, protect the interests of political entities, and uphold the principles of transparency and fairness in electoral processes, they cannot fold hands and watch the state crumble financially.

He therefore called on the governor to set up a committee to investigate the debt noting that it is a risk to the state if left untreated.

“The Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) serves as an institution in Nigeria’s democratic landscape, embodying the collaborative spirit of all registered political parties in the nation.”

“Established to facilitate dialogue, protect the interests of political entities, and uphold the principles of transparency and fairness in electoral processes, IPAC holds a vital position in ensuring the vibrancy and credibility of Nigeria’s Democracy and Good Governance.”

“IPAC as custodian of Democratic ideals, Norms and Good Governance and also as a beacon of democracy will continue to play a vital role in shaping Kaduna State’s political landscape and promoting the collective interests of the people, Government and its diverse political parties enabling Good Governance and accountability in Governance.”

“It is indeed disturbing and disheartening to listen to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kaduna State Distinguished Senator Uba Sani via a Town Hall meeting last Saturday, where Traditional Rulers, Elders of the State, Religious Clerics, Politicians, Civil Society Groups, organized Labour and various Stakeholders were invited, dealt on how his administration inherited a huge debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from the previous administration, making it difficult for the government to even pay workers’ salaries.”

“The selfish and fraudulent arrangement didn’t only deny our State the means of development & growth but have made the State to be financially embarrassed which includes making our State IGR as collateral to some indigenous banks.”

“Because of the above happenings and as Stakeholders in democratic norms, Good Leadership, Good Governance and Accountability in Nigeria and Kaduna State, the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) Executives in Kaduna are in support of His Excellency’s desires of getting our dear State out of these mess despite the humongous debt burden on the State government.”

“We are highly amazed and proud of His Excellency’s vision and wisdom, with all these huge debt burdens that were eating deep into the State’s monthly Federal Allocation of funds and with the state finding it difficult to pay monthly salaries but he remains resolute and focused in trying to build a better renewed Kaduna State, without borrowing a single kobo in the last nine months of his administration.”

“We called on His Excellency as a matter of urgency to constitute a commission of enquiry that will unravel the selfish mystery of these huge  debt burdens of 587 million Dollars / 85 Billion Naira Systematic Executive corruption and the 115 Contractual Liabilities he inherited.”

“The finding of such a commission of enquiry should be presented to the good people of Kaduna state via the same Town Hall meeting.”

“Once again we declare our support for open government by our Governor and assure him of Kaduna State, IPAC’s Executives willingness to continue to assist in proffering solutions, suggestions and to provide advice that will be beneficial to our people and Kaduna State.”