I inherited N155bn debt from Fayose, says Fayemi

Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti governor, says his predecessor, Ayodele Fayose, left a debt profile of N155.79 billion for the state.

He made the remark on Thursday while signing the N129.9 billion state budget for 2019.

He gave the breakdown of the debts as; loans, N57.694 billion; unpaid salary arrears, N16.777 billion; outstanding leave bonus to workers, N4.402 billion; pension and gratuity arrears, 39.775 billion; outstanding corpers’ allowance, N28.883 million.

Others are; outstanding subventions to institutions, N4.770 billion; outstanding contractors’ claims, N28.575 billion; outstanding furniture allowance, 470.2 million; outstanding severance allowance, N586.144 million; monetised vehicle arrears, N101.243 million: outstanding warrants, N386.777 million, outstanding FIRS obligation; N184.2 million;, traditional rulers arrears, N150.214 million; judgment debts, N95.214 million, and other outstanding liabilities of N1.792 billion.

Fayemi said his administration inherited a state that was in total chaos, with the people severely disoriented under a “suppressive government that had raised and promoted deceit into a state craft”.

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 meager 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”.

NAN reports that Fayose had dismissed the claim as frivolous and evasive.

Lere Olayinka, Fayose’s media assistant, said Fayemi made up the “spurious claims” 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.