KADUNA—Governor Nasir El-Rufai of
Kaduna State yesterday said 90 per cent
of the state revenue was being spent on
public servants in the state, saying there
was an urgent need to raise more funds
internally.
This came as hundreds of physically-
challenged and street beggars, stormed
the state Government House, protesting
against a law passed by House of
Assembly banning begging and hawking
in the state.
The governor, who spoke while
inaugurating Boards of five newly created
Agencies and Parastatals in the state,
said: “We promised to make this state
attractive to private investors who can
create multiple of the few direct jobs. Less
than 100,000 persons are employed in the
public service of Kaduna State, out of a
population that is between 8 million and
10 million.
''The wages of these fewer than 100,000
workers are relatively low, but together
consume about 90% of state resources. In
March 2016, Kaduna State got N2.4
billion from the Federal Accounts
Allocation Committee. That same month,
our wage bill was N2.2 billion.
''That leaves only N200m. When you add
overheads to this, you get a full picture of
the dire financial situation that low
revenue and public service expenses have
placed the state."
Meanwhile, the protesting beggars
thronged the gate of Government House,
displaying placards with various
inscriptions and chanted anti-government
slogans.
The protesters, who were prevented by
armed policemen from gaining access to
the Government House, expressed
disappointment that alleged an agreement
reached between Governor El-Rufai before
and after he won election, was betrayed
with the enactment of the law, without
palliatives.
“We are saying that a Commission for
disable persons be formed first before El-
Rufai should make begging and hawking
illegal in the state,” said Ahmed Saidu, a
cripple who spoke in Hausa to Vanguard
at the scene of the protest.
“The Commission will have all kinds of
alternative means of lively hood for us,
since most of us have been trapped by
our conditions in this part of the country
into becoming beggars. We will be very
happy not to beg, if we have a choice.
But, now, does he want us to starve to
death?,” he charged.
Later 10 representatives from various
physically challenged groups were allowed
into the government house to met with
the governor.
How at the time of this report,
representatives of the protesters were still
inside Sir Ibrahim Kashim Government
House.
Source: Vanguard news
