In a bold and misleading move, a campaign of falsehood was recently launched against the Kaduna State Government's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), with the goal of pressuring the government to reveal its actual financial standing.
At the heart of this campaign was a fabricated claim by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who asserted that the state had lost ₦7 billion in revenue. The claim, widely regarded as baseless, appears to have been an attempt to create the illusion of financial mismanagement within the state government.The figure of ₦7 billion, which El-Rufai presented publicly, has been criticized for lacking any substantive backing or verifiable data. According to analysts, it was a figure “plucked from thin air,” designed not to highlight actual financial discrepancies, but rather to cast doubt on the state's fiscal policies and provoke public concern. The campaign quickly spread, fueled by rhetoric suggesting gross inefficiency and corruption within the state's financial operations.
However, experts in Kaduna’s finance sector have dismissed these claims as purely political, aimed at discrediting the current administration. They argue that the figure provided by El-Rufai is not supported by any official financial records, and there is no substantial evidence to suggest such a revenue loss occurred. Instead, many believe this was a deliberate attempt to force the current government to disclose its financial status and give in to political pressure.
In response, the Kaduna State Government, led by Governor Uba Sani, has strongly refuted the claims, insisting that their financial standing is sound and transparent. Government officials have pointed out that the state’s IGR has remained consistent, with efforts ongoing to improve revenue generation through various initiatives, including digitizing tax collection systems and boosting local business growth.
“The claim of a ₦7 billion loss is unfounded and irresponsible. It serves no purpose other than to create confusion and mislead the public about the state’s financial health. Kaduna’s IGR continues to grow, and our commitment to fiscal responsibility remains unwavering,” stated a spokesperson for the governor.
Despite the rebuttal from the state government, the misinformation campaign has raised questions about the state of Kaduna’s finances, leading some to call for greater transparency and accountability from the administration. Critics argue that the situation reflects a larger trend of political maneuvering, where unfounded claims and accusations are often used as tools to undermine trust in public institutions.
As the controversy unfolds, many are calling for independent audits and clearer financial reports from the government to put the matter to rest and reassure citizens that their taxes are being properly managed. While the false claims about IGR losses are being debunked, the incident has underscored the importance of ensuring accurate and transparent financial reporting, particularly in an era where political narratives can easily shape public perception.
The campaign of falsehood continues to stir debate in Kaduna, and as both sides dig in their heels, the true financial standing of the state remains a point of contention. However, the government remains committed to dispelling the misinformation and ensuring that the people of Kaduna have confidence in their state’s financial future.
