The Bauchi State Chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has submitted a formal request to the Accountant General of Bauchi State, seeking detailed information on the state government’s financial activities under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2011.
In a letter dated September 2, 2024, the PRP demanded transparency and accountability in the state government’s financial dealings, citing concerns over debt profile, statutory allocations, financial interventions, and expenditure.
The letter was signed by Hon. Abdulazeez Haruna, State Secretary, PRP, Bauchi State Chapter.
The party requested information on the state’s domestic and foreign debts, borrowing amounts, debt servicing, statutory federal funds allocations, financial interventions, salaries of civil and public servants, and payments to political appointees.
Additionally, the PRP sought details on the procurement of luxury Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) presented to six first-class emirs in August 2024 and the total amount owed to pensioners in terms of pensions and gratuities.
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Abdulazeez Haruna also emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, stating that the information requested is essential for public understanding and scrutiny of the state government’s financial activities.
The party has given the Accountant General seven days to respond to the request, as required by the FOIA. The move is seen as a step towards promoting good governance and transparency in Bauchi State.
The response from the Bauchi State Government is eagerly awaited, as the public and stakeholders watch with keen interest.
The letter reads in part, “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.
“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 total amount of monthly allocation received from statutory federal funds with monthly breakdown from June 2019 to present. We would like to know the specific projects or programs that these allocations were disbursed for and the recipients.
“We believe that this information is essential for public understanding and scrutiny of the state government’s financial activities.
“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.”
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