By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has requested for the debt profile, statutory allocations, financial interventions and expenditure of the State Government so far since 2019 when the present administration came on board.
The PRP, in a letter addressed to the Accountant General of the State stated that it is making the request for Information under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
Hon. Abdulazeez Haruna, State Secretary, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Bauchi State Chapter who signed the letter and made it available to Journalists on Monday wrote that: “I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to you on behalf of the Bauchi State Chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) to request certain information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2011.”
The letter reads: “As a responsible political party and citizens’ watchdog, we are concerned about the transparency and accountability of the Bauchi State Government’s financial activities.”
“In line with our commitment to promoting good governance and transparency, we are writing to demand information on the following: As at August 2024, what is the total amount of domestic and foreign debts owed by Bauchi State? Please provide a breakdown of the debt profile, including details of the creditors, outstanding balances, nature of the debts, interest rates, and repayment schedules,” It added.
According to the PRP, “From June, 2019 to date, what is the total amount borrowed by Bauchi State? Please provide a breakdown of the borrowing amounts year by year. How much has Bauchi State serviced out of the amount borrowed from June 2019 to date? Please provide a breakdown of the servicing amounts year by year.”
The party also wants to know the total amount of monthly allocation received from statutory federal funds with monthly breakdown from June 2019 to present stressing that,”We would like to know the specific projects or programs that these allocations were disbursed for and the recipients.”
It further demanded for the total amount of financial interventions received from the Federal Government and other institutions from June 2019 to August 2024, including details of the specific interventions, projects, or programs that these funds were used for.
It added that, “Additionally, we would like to know: The total amount that Bauchi State is spending monthly on salaries of civil and public servants and the total number of civil and public servants in the state.”
The PRP further demanded monthly salaries and allowances of the State Governor, Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff – Government House, Commissioners, Advisers, Assistants, and any other political appointees that are paid by the state government and the total amount owed to pensioners in terms of pensions and gratuities.
Furthermore, it demanded for the cost at which luxury Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) presented to the Six first-class Emirs in August 2024 were procured, and details of the company that handled the procurement (if any).
“We believe that this information is essential for public understanding and scrutiny of the state government’s financial activities. As a responsible party, we are committed to ensuring that our government is accountable to the people and operates in a transparent and open manner,”It stressed.
The PRP added that, “We would appreciate it if you could provide us with this information within 7 days of receipt of this letter, as required by the Freedom of Information Act.”
It added, “Please note that we may need to seek clarification or additional information on certain aspects of our request. We are committed to working together with your office to ensure that our request is processed efficiently and effectively.”
The letter was copied to Executive Governor, Bauchi State, The Honourable Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly, The National Chairman, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), National Headquarters, Abuja, The Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Abuja, The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abuja, The Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Abuja and The Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Abuja.
