Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Governor of Benue State, took decisive action on Tuesday by launching two commissions of inquiry aimed at delving into the financial activities of his predecessor, Samuel Ortom, over the span of eight years.
Ortom wasted no time in responding, with his media aide Terver Akase stating his commitment to facing the probe panels head-on, while also urging his appointees to be forthcoming in providing any required information.
Alia, speaking as he inaugurated the judicial commissions of inquiry at the historic Old Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi, emphasized that this action aligns with his administration’s commitment to fostering accountability, transparency, and good governance throughout 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 heads of the two panels were appointed from individuals residing outside the confines of Benue State.
The first panel is spearheaded by retired Justice Taiwo Taiwo, hailing from the South-West, while the second panel is led by retired Justice Appolos Idi, originating from Gombe State in the North-East.
Alia clarified that the constitution of the 16-member panels was conducted meticulously and in accordance with legal protocols outlined in the Commission of Inquiry Law (Cap 40) of the Laws of Benue State, 2004.
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He further mentioned that there is a stipulated period of six months within which the panels are expected 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 founded on transparency, accountability, and good governance. He emphasized his readiness to provide any information or clarification as might be required. Chief Ortom urged his former appointees to also make themselves available whenever called upon to provide clarifications.