The newly elected Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has revealed his intention to investigate the N241 billion debt inherited from his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje. In a statement, Yusuf expressed dissatisfaction with the handover notes from the previous administration, which he accused of departing from established democratic practices by not personally handing over to him.
He explained, “The handover notes are not enough for us. It is a very scanty note. The transition committee report was also very scanty. Nothing we can do as representatives of the state, we can’t refuse to collect what was given to us.”
Yusuf further stated that he will scrutinize the handover notes and probe where necessary, “We will look at it. Where we are satisfied, we will take action. Where we are also not satisfied, we will also take action accordingly.”
He also expressed concern about the high level of debt, adding that Kano State’s Internally Generated Revenue was insufficient in comparison to the debt profile. The Governor questioned the state’s use of numerous consultants and described them as “rain conduits for the resources of the people of Kano state.”
Yusuf, who promised to work towards achieving his goals in the next four years, also expressed his willingness to hold his predecessor responsible for his actions. He said, “I pray Almighty Allah to reward him (Ganduje) according to what he did for the state. We are not here to steal money; we are not here to grab their lands. We are here to work…”
The new Governor’s plan to probe the huge debt left behind by his predecessor aligns with his campaign promise to address the state’s challenges, including poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and lack of access to basic healthcare services for Kano residents.
Overall, Yusuf’s vigorous plan to address the debt issue shows his readiness to move Kano State forward, and stakeholders are optimistic about his ability to put the state on track towards attaining sustainable development.
