The Senate has approved promissory notes and bond issuances worth N14.6 billion to Bauchi State as reimbursement for executing Federal Government projects.
The approval followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Adhoc Committee on Promissory Note Programme at Thursday plenary.
The development brings to 24, the number of states with outstanding claims for projects executed on behalf of the Federal Government and approved by the Senate.
Presenting his report, Chairman of the committee, Francis Alimikhena, noted that although the Senate had initially excluded Bauchi and Kogi States, the committee, however approved refund for Bauchi, leaving out Kogi.
He, however, did not give any reason for excluding Kogi State.
Speaking after the approval, Senate Leader, 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.
He therefore appealed that the President’s request of refund for Kogi State be considered and approved by next week.
OWEDE AGBAJILEKE, Abuja
