The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Tuesday, inaugurated two commissions of inquiry to probe the financial dealings during the eight-year tenure of his predecessor, Samuel Ortom.
In quick response, Ortom, in a statement by his media aide, Terver Akase, declared his readiness to face the probe panels, calling also on his appointees to be ready to make themselves available whenever called upon.
Inaugurating the judicial commissions of inquiry at the Old Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi, Alia said the move was part of his administration’s agenda to promote accountability, transparency, and good governance in the state.
The first panel was named the “Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Income and Expenditure of Benue State Government from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023.”
The second was called “Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Sale/Lease of Government Assets, Companies and Markets (both State and Local Government-owned Markets), as well as Moribund Companies From or Before May 28, 2015 to May 28th, 2023.”
The chairmen of the two panels were drawn from outside Benue State.
Retired Justice Taiwo Taiwo from the South-West heads the first, while the second is headed by retired Justice Appolos Idi from Gombe State in the North-East.
Alia said the 16-member panels were constituted in line with the Commission of Inquiry Law (Cap 40) Laws of Benue State, 2004.
He added that they have six months to conclude the probe and submit their reports.
Alia said, “These commissions are not merely bureaucratic endeavours; they are our response to the earnest desires and hopes of the good people of Benue, who are rightfully critical stakeholders and owners of our dear state and its resources.
“The members of these commissions have been carefully chosen for their unassailable integrity and track record. I harbour no doubt that they will discharge their duties with utmost dedication and in accordance with the noble principles of public service, safeguarding the interests of our dear state.
“The future prosperity of Benue hinges on the prudent and judicious management of our resources. As we usher in a new era characterised by prioritising the welfare of our people, it is imperative and quite incumbent upon us to ensure that every naira expended serves the collective interest and propels the growth and development of our state.
“The responsible stewardship of government resources bears a direct correlation to the well-being of our people. Adequate allocation to vital sectors, such as the economy, agriculture, education, security, healthcare, and infrastructure, uplifts the standard of living, while any mismanagement jeopardises our collective progress.
“Thus, it is incumbent upon us to scrutinise the management of our common resources during the specified periods.
“This inquiry is not rooted in distrust but in our commitment to the principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance, and for safeguarding the interests of the good people of Benue.”
Alia said the Income and Expenditure Commission of Inquiry would identify the income, expenditure, and utilisation of the funds that accrued to the coffers of the state government within the period of the investigation.
He said the panel is: “To identify special interventions, including but not limited to the Bailout Funds and Paris Club Refunds received by the Benue State Government from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023, and the applications thereof to determine the internally generated revenue and the utilisation of same.
“Identify cases of misappropriation, abuse, misuse, and diversion of Benue State funds from May 29, 2015 to May 28, 2023.
“Identify those involved in all contracts issued within the period, the state wage bill, and the number of ghost workers that were receiving salaries amongst others.”
For the Assets and Moribund Companies Commission of Inquiry, the governor said it would identify all government properties, companies, and markets sold or leased by the Ortom administration.
“They will generally review all such transactions and advise the government on the appropriate action in the interest of the people and good governance,” the governor added.
Meanwhile, Ortom’s aide, in a statement on Tuesday, said, “Chief Ortom expressed his willingness to cooperate with the probe panels as long as the investigation is carried out in line with the law.
“He stated that his administration was built on transparency, accountability, and good governance. He emphasised his readiness to provide any information or clarification, as may be required.
“Chief Ortom urges his former appointees to equally make themselves available whenever called upon to provide clarifications.”
