Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, on Thursday, said his predecessor, Ayodele Fayose, left a total debt profile of over N155.79bn for the state.
This is as the governor signed into law the N129.9bn state budget for 2019, which is a part of events to mark his 100 days in office.
The governor, while giving an account of his stewardship in Ado Ekiti, said that the debt profile included local loans and other debts.
He gave the breakdown of the debts as Loans, N57.694bn; Unpaid Salary Arrears, N16.777bn; Outstanding Leave Bonus to workers, N4.402bn; Pension and Gratuity Arrears, 39.775bn; Outstanding Corpers’ Allowance, N28.883m.
Others are; Outstanding Subventions to institutions, N4.770bn; Outstanding Contractors’ Claims, N28.575bn; Outstanding Furniture Allowance, 470.2m; Outstanding Severance Allowance, N586.144m; Monetized Vehicle Arrears, N101.243m; Outstanding Warrants, N386.777m, Outstanding FIRS Obligation; N184.2m;, Traditional Rulers Arrears, N150.214m; Judgment Debts, N95.214m, and other Outstanding Liabilities of N1.792bn.
Fayose dismissed the claim as frivolous and evasive.
Fayose’s Media Assistant, Lere Olayinka said in Ado Ekiti that the claim was a “spurious” claims by the governor to cover-up alleged failure by his government to embark on any meaningful project since assuming office.
The former governor, however, failed to state how much he left as debt for the state.
On his part, Fayemi insisted that his administration inherited a state that was in total chaos, with a people severely disoriented under a “suppressive government that had raised and promoted deceit into statecraft”.
According to him,
“the last 100 days have clearly shown to us, in a very practical manner, that with clarity of vision, the resolve to push through and the unflinching support of the people, there are endless possibilities in our capacities to steer our state on the path of progress.
“Despite the meagre resources at our disposal, we are meticulously delivering on our promises to the people through our various short, medium and long term socio-economic intervention programmes
“We must examine our tortuous path with a view to charting a new course for a prosperous destination, not only for us but also for our unborn children.”
The governor condemned borrowing to finance what he called “white elephant project” by the past administration, describing it as unproductive, self-serving and grossly unpatriotic.
He explained that the many successes stories recorded by his administration within a spate of 100 days in office were made possible as a result of his genuine resolve to serve the people diligently and passionately.
He called on all Ekiti people for support and cooperation for the administration to build on the gains of the past three months.
“All hands must be on the deck to move Ekiti forward economically, socially and politically.
“I also enjoin you all to keep supporting us, especially in the areas of tax payment and selfless suggestions on how to jointly move Ekiti State forward.”
Earlier, the Governor had signed into law the 2019 appropriation bill and promised that the state would experience progress and development in the next few years.
The event included the flagging off of construction work on the abandoned 41-year-old New Iyin road, and an empowerment training for 6,300 women and youths in the state.
In his speech, at the empowerment training, Director General, National Directorate of Employment, NDE, Dr. Nasir Ladan, described Fayemi’s 100 days in office as impressive.
He called on the women and youths in the state shortlisted for training in various skills by the NDE and State Government to commit themselves to the exercise.
(NAN)
