By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has issued a strong statement in defense of the Kaduna State Government following misleading claims propagated by Sahara Reporters.
The publication’s assertion that the state borrowed N36 billion in merely six months has been categorically dismissed by the AYCF as not only misdirected but also a significant breach of journalistic integrity.
In an official response, the AYCF president general Yerima Shettima described the report as a piece of journalism crafted to mislead the public and sow discord among the citizens of Kaduna State, adding that the forum stands firm in its support of the Kaduna State Government, which has explicitly clarified that it is diligently managing debts inherited from the previous administration.
“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.
Furthermore, the AYCF expressed concerns regarding the motives behind the misleading report, suggesting it may be linked to the previous administration under Nasir Elrufai, which has faced scrutiny over unaccounted debt.
The forum speculates that Elrufai’s increasing desperation following his indictment by a lawful panel may be driving a campaign of disinformation aimed at discrediting the current government.
“The current administration is working tirelessly to address the financial challenges left by its predecessor, not to create new burdens,” said Shettima, President General for AYCF. “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 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,” continued Shettima. “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.”
” The AYCF stands resolute in its commitment to supporting good governance and fiscal responsibility in Kaduna State and urges the citizens to remain vigilant against misinformation,” the statement added.
