The Kaduna State House of Assembly has initiated the formation of a fact-finding committee tasked with investigating the financial matters, loans, and contract projects awarded during the tenure of former Governor Nasiru El-Rufai. This decision comes in response to concerns raised by the current governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, who expressed dismay over the substantial debt inherited from his predecessor after assuming office on May 29, 2023.
During a town hall meeting held on Saturday, Governor Sani disclosed that the state had been left with meager funds, insufficient to cover salaries. He revealed that his administration had inherited a total debt of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual obligations from the previous governor. Despite the significant financial burden, Governor Sani asserted his commitment to driving Kaduna State forward, fostering progress, and promoting sustainable development.
In light of these circumstances, the State Assembly convened on Tuesday and established a fact-finding committee during its plenary session. One of the committee’s primary objectives is to investigate Jimi Lawal, a close associate of the former governor who served as Senior Counselor on Investment. Additionally, the committee will scrutinize financial transactions, loans, grants, and project implementations that occurred between 2015 and 2023.
Furthermore, the committee has been granted the authority to summon key individuals for questioning, including 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.
