The outgoing Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Muktar Ramalan Yero, has announced that his administration is leaving behind 8.6 billion naira in the state government treasury.

This was contrary to the rumor making round that the governor is leaving an empty treasury for the incoming governor.

Yero disclosed that over 73 billion naira would be left as debt for the state contrary to over 100 billion naira debt been speculated.

Speaking while handing over the government notes to the state governor elect, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Yero said the debt comprises external and internal debt as per breakdown below.

“The current debt position of the state as at 28 May, 2015 has been indicated in the compiled notes. We are therefore handing over the total debt of stock of 73, 933,104,923,22 naira which comprises external and internal debt.

“External loans USD 234,416,052.16 equivalent to 46,062,745,245.51 at the exchange rate of 195.5 naira per dollar as at December, 2014.

“Internal loans Bond – 2.031,612,259.31 naira, contractors arrears – 23,531,154,819.69 naira, Gratuity Arears- 1,307,592,598.71 naira and CBN MSMEDF – 1,000,000,000.0 which gives total of 27,870,359, 677.71 naira,” he said.

Yero also said that the state government awarded so many projects in the state in which many have been completed with the contractors paid.

He added that he has no doubt in mind that the handing over notes which has comprehensive information would enable successful take-off of his successor.

In his remarks, the incoming governor, Nasir El-Rufai said he was surprise that the situation in the state was not as bad as he though.

He said they will still go through the notes and hope the outgoing government would be ready to explain areas that need to be explained.

He thanked the outgoing governor for his support, saying with his prayers the new government would succeed in moving the state forward.

He also commended the transition committee for a job well done.

•Photo shows outgoing Governor Yero