Benue State Governor Sets Up Judicial Commissions To Probe Past Administration

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has set up two Judicial Commissions of enquiry to probe the income and expenditure of the state under former Governor Samuel Ortom whose tenure lasted between 2015 and 2023.

Another Commission of inquiry also inaugurates by the governor is to look into the sale/lease of the state government’s assets, companies and markets (both State and Local Government owned markets), as well as moribund companies from May 28, 2015 to May 28th, 2023.

Inaugurating the Commissions of enquiry at Government House, Makurdi, Governor Hyacinth Alia reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to the tenets of democracy and good governance and to promote accountability and transparency in the state.

“These Commissions are not merely bureaucratic endeavors; 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.

“Thus, it is incumbent upon us to scrutinize 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 it is imperative for safeguarding the interests of the people of Benue,” he said.

Inclusiveness and Fairness

The Governor said that in pursuit of good governance, his administration has placed priority on inclusiveness and fairness while ensuring that the needs of all stakeholders in the state were duly considered.

Governor Alia said the enquiry became imperative to ensure that every dime meant for the state was duly accounted for.

He says, “The future prosperity of Benue hinges on the prudent and judicious management of our resources. As we usher in a new era characterized by prioritizing 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”.

He stated that members of the commissions were carefully selected considering their integrity and track record

He urged them to recognise the gravity of their mandate to unravel the complexities of the task at their disposal.

“I harbor 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,” he said.

Governor Alia emphasised that the stewardship of government resources was intended to enhance the well-being of the people,

He stressed that adequate allocation to vital sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, education, security, healthcare, and infrastructure uplifts the standard of living with dire consequences on mismanagement.

“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 jeopardizes our collective progress,” he said.

Resource Management

Governor Alia expressed his administration’s resolve to ensure prudent  management of resources as reflected in the timely payment of workers salaries, pensions and gratuities as well as the execution of critical infrastructural projects which he said is part of his blueprint tagged: “A Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue.

“In our pursuit of good governance, we prioritize inclusivity and fairness, ensuring that the needs of all stakeholders are duly considered. Responsible management and ethical utilization of resources are non-negotiable tenets of this governance philosophy”.

Governor Alia urged members of the commissions to recognize the gravity of their mandate.

“Your diligence and dedication will be pivotal in unraveling the complexities of the task at hand, and the goodwill of the Benue people shall serve as your guiding light,” he stated.

The Judicial Commission of enquiry into the income and expenditure of Benue State Government which is headed by Honourable Justice Taiwo Taiwo has six other members.

The Commission has a mandate to examine the income, expenditure, bank transactions, loans, waivers, special interventions, internally generated revenue, misappropriation of funds, contracts, wage bills, and to identify ghost workers   enlisted on government payroll.

The Commission of enquiry into the sale/lease of the State Government’s assets, companies and markets as well as moribund companies is also headed by another retired Justice Apollos Paul Idi, from Gombe State and six members with a charge to identify properties, companies and markets sold or leased.

The Commission is to further determine their correct value and status, assess buyers/leases, evaluate transaction values, ensuring compliance with due process and also identify moribund state companies.

Responding on behalf of their members, the chairmen of the commissions, Justice Taiwo Taiwo and  Justice Apollos Paul Idi expressed  gratitude to Governor Alia for entrusting them with the critical assignments and assured him of their dedication to work for the general interest of the Benue people.

Both Commissions have six months to submit their findings.

 

Confidence Okwuchi