..My Government is for all irrespective of political party differences, says Uba Sani
El-Rufai, I leave a cash of N5b in TSA and 2.05m dollars in kaduna domiciliary account
Kaduna, NorthWest Nigeria, Tracereporters –The outgoing past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday, handed over a whooping foreign debt of $577.32m to the newly sworn-in governor of the State, Uba Sani.
El-Rufai also left behind a total of N80.60b in internal debts with the subheadings domestic debts and other contingent liabilities.
The former governor while reading his farewell speech on Monday shortly before Uba Sani was sworn in said the debts were as at the last financial year.
He however said he had a cash balance of N5b in a Treasury Single Account (TSA) and 2.05m dollars in the Domiciliary account of the State.
According to El-Rufai, “As of the last financial year, Kaduna State has the following liabilities; Domestic debt of N64.54bn, Other Contingent Liabilities of N16.06bn and Foreign debts of US $577.32m
“We have spent N818.9bn as capital expenditure between 2015 and 2022 in the prosecution of our first and second State Development Plans, attracting nearly US $5bn in foreign and domestic investments that created jobs, improved our tax receipts and laid a solid foundation for the future.
“We are leaving behind a net cash balance in our Treasury Single Account of about N5bn after deductions for the payment of salaries, pensions and dues to the Local Government Councils, and US $2.05m in our Domiciliary Account as of yesterday 28th May 2023.
“Kaduna State has receivables for reimbursements of infrastructure and security spending from the Federal Government amounting to about N41bn, that will be paid to the state in due course. This does not include the sums due to the state as a share of the accumulated stamp duties receipts, estimated at over N100bn, that the incoming government will certainly receive before the end of this year. I am therefore optimistic that the incoming government will in due course be in a position to settle all inherited liabilities, complete ongoing projects and initiate new ones by the Grace of God.
“We governed under very difficult fiscal circumstances, surviving two recessions, collapses of crude oil prices, the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war. We, therefore, had to borrow extensively to spend our way out of the recession and pursue our ambition to make Kaduna great again.
“I pay tribute to the extraordinary work of our team in the Kaduna State Government. The Deputy Governor, the members of the State House of Assembly, our honourable Judges, Kadis, and magistrates, our commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Local Government chairmen, special advisers, assistants and other government officials have displayed imagination and demonstrated commitment to helping the Kaduna State Government to achieve set objectives, and I applaud them for living up to their oaths of office.
“Our traditional rulers and religious leaders have been exceptional partners in mobilising the populace to understand our policies and support our efforts. Our partners in civil society have been critical in enabling the government to appreciate the concerns of citizens without a voice.
“Yesterday, I completed the administrative handover to my worthy successor, Distinguished Senator Uba Sani, and his able Deputy, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe. I call on the people of Kaduna State to support him and his team as he leads the next government. With your votes, you have vested in him the future direction of the state. Let us all pray for him to succeed in the service of the state and its people beyond our hopes and imagination.
“Several members of our governing team broke down in tears at the valedictory session of the Executive Council, overwhelmed by the reality of saying goodbye. But goodbyes are not necessarily bad. In fact, goodbyes are part of the order of nature.
“Everything that has a beginning must have an end. One era ends and another begins. New leaders take charge and life continues. That is the cycle of life. Our duty is to keep hope alive and do our best, and leave the rest to Almighty God”.
In his inaugural speech, Governor Uba Sani said his government is for all irrespective of political party differences.
Uba said he would ensure that insecurity became a thing of the past in the State, stressing that he would work closely with his colleague governors in the zone to tackle insecurity.
“My dear brothers and sisters, the elections are over; it is time for the tough job of governance. I shall be a Governor for all. I plead with you all to work with us to achieve peace, safety and security across every community in this state. On my part, I will work assiduously to guarantee the safety and security of our hardworking farmers to actively return to their farms during the current farming season.
“The prevailing security situation in the country demands a significant shift in the current structure. In this regard, I will work with my colleague Governors and members of the National and State Assemblies to make STATE POLICE a reality. I was at the forefront of advocacy for the State Police in the 9th Senate. I strongly believe that State Police is the panacea for our perennial security challenges. Security is basically a local affair and it demands a local approach.
“My administration will consolidate and build on the unprecedented infrastructural upgrade, which was targeted at enhancing public welfare and accelerated economic growth. Going forward, we shall promote accelerated rural development by extending infrastructure to all local government areas with the goal of supporting our rural communities to achieve rapid economic growth.
“Our governance agenda in the economic sector will seek to sustain the enviable status of Kaduna State as a foremost investment destination in Nigeria, attract investments across more sectors, create jobs and promote the transfer of technology.
“Kaduna State under my leadership shall continue to focus on agriculture for food security and economic prosperity. We have perfected plans for the expansion of support for Agriculture in several areas.
“This administration will be devoted to building and empowering people for development and prosperity. Our commitment to human capital development shall entail a detailed focus on social welfare and empowerment through dedicated funds for women and youths, robust social investment programmes for vulnerable persons and extensive pro-poor interventions. We shall also ensure access to education for every child in the state from primary to secondary school; expand access to higher education through a multi-campus system for tertiary institutions; enhance Teachers’ Welfare & Teaching Standards; improve School Infrastructure; build ICT competence in our students from basic education level; and intensify investments in Technical & Vocational Education.
“Before I end this inaugural address, I must not fail to pay tribute to my boss, mentor and long-standing ally, the pace-setting, innovative and resourceful immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has changed the face of Kaduna State and made it the envy of all. His transformational leadership and developmental drive have redefined and raised the bar of governance. The high standards he has set are both a source of pride and a challenge to our associates and loyalists. Sir, we shall constantly feed off your huge wealth of experience in our journey to consolidate the good works you have already started in Kaduna State.
“Malam, as a gesture of our appreciation for your service, your hard work and dedication to making Kaduna great again, and your commitment to putting people first, I hereby announce the renaming of the entire stretch of Rabah Road as Nasir El-Rufai Road. I have directed the Kaduna Capital Territory Authority to effect the renaming of this 15km stretch of road which commences from the Eastern Bypass, through Malali, the NDA, across the Nnamdi Azikiwe Bypass and terminating at the Rigasa train station link road. This is the first road to link the eastern and western sectors of the city. I am proud to name this project that encapsulates the vision of the urban renewal programme after the man who is the visionary of the programme. Malam, we thank you again and again,” Uba Sani said.
