Former Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State, yesterday, denied stealing the state’s money during his eight years tenure in office.
Suswam spoke at a special thanksgiving service organised for him at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Makurdi, by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lawmakers at Benue State House of Assembly,,
He regretted that before the last general elections, the All Progressives Congress, APC, had sold to the people that salaries were not being paid because the state’s funds were being stolen. Suswam said: “Today that same salary issue is persisting, that is to tell you that we are in a deep economic crisis.
‘’I am not a thief, I’m not a criminal, I did not steal government money neither did I syphon the state’s resources. “In our time, we assumed office under tough circumstances, but we were able to achieve a milestone. The fact is that no one can do the job of governnce at once. “You do your best and leave the rest. I did my best. And I refused to demonize anyone when I assumed office, though I was pushed to do so by forces and individuals but I refused.
“That seat of governor of Benue State is the hottest in the country. If you spend one day in office as a governor, and if somebody takes over, and he wants to take you to jail, he will do so. “The fact is that nobody is a saint, we have serious economic situation. I raised the alarm, they said I was stealing money, my successor is raising same alarm today. “Unfortunately, the Tiv man always wants to bring down his own brother, the truth is that as governor, there is no way you cannot step on toes.”
