The Senate on Thursday rejected the request by Kaduna State government to borrow $350 million from the World Bank’s Development Policy Operation credit facility.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that three senators from the state took turn to argue against the loan, saying it was “misplacement of priorities”.
The chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central), said the state government had not genuinely stated how the loan request will be properly utilized for the people of Kaduna.
Supporting Mr Sani’s position, Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduna North) said the loan request should not be approved as it would increase the loan burden on the state and that the reasons for the request sent to the World Bank are at variance with what the money is meant for.
Mr Hunkuyi added that the loan request is a misplacement of priorities by the Kaduna state government.
Danjuma La’ah (Kaduna South) also kicked against the loan request, saying his people had not mandated him to support the credit facility.
Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Na’Allah said it is a lesson for democracy especially governors who refuse to consult with their people and representatives before seeking such massive loan approval.
Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided said a loan application for infrastructural development is not bad in itself but that failure to consult with representatives of the people before such a critical facility is taken is clearly undemocratic.
When Mr Ekweremadu put the question, the Senate overwhelmingly rejected the request.
