By Dare Akogun
The Kwara state House of Assembly has granted the approval of the State Government on the refund of the outstanding 60 percent to States from unauthorized debts of Excess Crude Account, Petroleum Profit Tax, and Royalties Account
The endorsement followed a thorough debate on the matter led by Deputy House Leader, Hon. John Bello following a Message from the Governor and read before the House by the Speaker.
The Governor requested to authorize Federal Government to utilize a portion of Kwara State entitlements to offset domestic liabilities to the same Federal Government.
Governor Abdulrazaq noted that it became imperative to draw the attention of the House to report unauthorized debit transactions and Excess Crude Account, Petroleum Profit Tax, and Royalties Account from 2009 to 2015 amounting to 18.2 million dollars.
He maintained that the aggregate amount is shareable based on the sharing ratio of 52.48 in favor of federal government state and Local Governments.
The Governor also intimated to the House that the states had reviewed their liabilities against Federal Government and repayment installments as a result of the harsh economic situation of the country which gave the states no option but to fall back on the Federal Government for support which is the trend globally.
In another development Governor Abdulrazaq has submitted a list of Five nominees for screening and confirmation as Chairman and Members of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission in the State.
This was contained in a Message from the Governor, addressed to the Speaker, and read during today’s plenary.
Governor Abdulrazaq said the nominees are highly qualified and possessed the necessary skills and experience to carry out their duties in line with section w Fourteen Subsection four of the constitution.
The nominees are Abubakar Abdullahi Uthman Chairman, Mrs. Oyedun Funke Juliana member, Alhaji Yusuf Abdulganiyu Aremu member, and Abdul Gana Lukpada members.
The Speaker thereafter directed them to appear before the House tomorrow for screening and submit Thirty-five copies of their Credentials to Clerk’s office before the closing of work today
