The Senate Thursday approved promissory notes and bond issuance worth N14.6 billion to Bauchi State.
The fund was approved for the state as reimbursement for projects executed on behalf of the Federal Government by the state.
The approval followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Promissory Note Programme.
The approval brought to 24, the number of states with outstanding claims for projects executed on behalf of the Federal Government and approved by the Senate.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Francis Alimikhena, in his report, noted that although the Senate had initially excluded Bauchi and Kogi States, the committee, however approved refund for Bauchi, leaving out Kogi.
The Edo North Senator did not give reason for excluding Kogi State from the refund approval.
After the approval, Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, wondered why Kogi State was excluded when President Muhammadu Buhari sought the approval for the issuance of the notes to offset inherited local debts for both Kogi and Bauchi States.
Lawan said, “We have one more state left. The Senate should pass and approve for Kogi. These are funds spent by these states. Kogi shouldn’t be left out.”
He therefore appealed that the President’s request of refund for Kogi State should be considered and approved by next week.
Senate President, Bukola Saraki however said that Lawan was in the right position to initiate the approval for Kogi State.
Saraki said, “Senate Leader, I have noted your comment. I am only presiding. You are the only person to make it happen.”
Credit: The Nation
