Senate approves N22bn as FG’s refund to Taraba

The senate has approved N22 billion as the debt payable to Taraba for projects executed on behalf of the federal government in the state.

The senate’s decision was sequel to a motion sponsored by Francis Alimekhena, senator representing Edo north.

Buhari had accused the national assembly of inflating federal government’s debts to states.

The president had said the senate did not approve any sum for Bauchi, Delta, Kogi and Taraba states, demanding that corrections be made.

But on December 5, the upper legislative chamber approved N34.3 billion for Taraba.

While moving the motion on Thursday, Alimekhena explained that N34 billion was approved additional road projects executed by the Taraba government on behalf of the federal government.

The senator said the projects was not captured in their submission to the house of representatives.

“Taraba state was among the states that benefited from the approved payment of outstanding bills of 34,315,232,396.96,” he said.

“The increase was as a result of additional road projects executed by the Taraba State government on behalf of the federal government submitted to the senate committee which was not captured in their submission to the house.”

The senate rescinded its decision and approved the aforementioned sum after it was put to a voice vote by Senate President Bukola Saraki.