In a bid to uncover financial mismanagement and malpractices, the Kaduna State House of Assembly has established a fact-finding committee to probe all finances, loans, and contract projects awarded during the former Governor Nasiru El-Rufai administration.
Governor Uba Sani, during a town hall meeting on Saturday, had expressed concern over the huge debt burden inherited from his predecessor, El-Rufai, which he said had left the state with a total of $587 million, N85 billion, and N115 billion in contractual liabilities.
The governor had lamented that the debt situation had made it difficult for his administration to pay workers’ salaries.
“Despite the huge debt burden of 587 million dollars, 85 billion naira, and N115 billion in contractual liabilities, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development,” he said.
However, in a move to uncover the financial dealings of the former governor and his associates, the state Assembly, during plenary on Tuesday, set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the former governor’s top associate and Senior Counsellor on Investment, Jimi Lawal.
The panel would also probe financial dealings, loans and grants, and other project implementation from 2015-2023.
The State Assembly mandated the committee to invite notable personalities, including the former speakers of the 8th and 9th Assembly, commissioners of finance, former Managing Directors of Kaduna Markets, and Commissioners of Budget and Planning, among others.
The probe is seen as a step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the state’s finances, and it is expected to uncover any financial mismanagement and malpractices that may have occurred during the former governor’s tenure.
