Groups link El-Rufai to report of alleged Kaduna N36b loan in months

Two Northern groups, Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Northern Awareness Network (NAN), have warned those propagating falsehood against the Kaduna State Government over a 36 billion Naira loan to desist.

The groups frowned at the reports of an online media organisation that claimed that the Uba Sani administration took the reported loan in six months, saying that the report was planned to discredit the government.

AYCF President General, Yerima Shettima, and the NAN Chairman, Salihu Suleiman, in a joint statement, described the report as a piece of journalism crafted to mislead the public and sow seed of discord among the citizens of Kaduna State.

They declared support for the Kaduna State Government for managing the debts inherited from the previous administration.

Shettima said ”these obligations have been exacerbated by the drastic devaluation of the Naira and comprise long-standing commitments, including critical ongoing programs funded by the World Bank, such as AGILE, SURWASH, and ACReSAL.

“These initiatives were set in motion long before the current administration, led by Governor Uba Sani.”

The AYCF however, expressed concerns about the motives behind the misleading report, saying, “it may be linked to the previous administration under Nasir Elrufai, which has faced scrutiny over unaccounted debt.

“Elrufai’s increasing desperation following his indictment by a lawful panel may be driving a campaign of disinformation aimed at discrediting the current government.

“We find it unacceptable that a former governor, under investigation and indictment, would resort to such tactics to undermine the stability of Kaduna State.”

The AYCF leader then called “for a swift acceleration of legal processes against former Governor Elrufai to ensure accountability and transparency regarding the state’s indebtedness, stressing that the public deserves clarity on their government’s financial standing and that any attempts to distort this reality will not be tolerated.

“Let us not forget that accountability is the foundation of good governance,” Shettima said.

“We encourage the public to stay informed and engaged, as the truth about our state’s finances must come to light. Together, we will demand justice and work towards a prosperous future for Kaduna State.”

Besides, the NAN Chairman expressed deep disappointment with the popular online newspaper for failing to corroborate facts or seek clarification before disseminating such sensationalised information.

Suleiman said, “such breach of journalistic integrity not only misleads the public but also constitutes what can be aptly termed “digital terrorism, undermining the diligent efforts of the current administration and diverting attention from ongoing investigations into financial mismanagement inherited from the previous administration.”

“The Kaduna State government has reiterated that rather than incurring new debts, it is confronting a substantial inherited debt burden exacerbated by the dramatic devaluation of the Naira. Exchange rates have surged from ₦415-₦480 to over ₦1,600 to the dollar, causing the cost of servicing past debts to effectively triple in local currency.

“This reality affects not only the Kaduna State government but resonates across the nation, underscoring the urgent need for factual reporting.

“Misinformation can skew public opinion and pose significant obstacles to governmental operations aimed at serving the citizens effectively.”

Both groups expressed support for the government, stressing that they stand in unwavering solidarity with the Kaduna State Government and call on all media outlets, particularly those with extensive readership, to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, and responsibility in their reporting.