Alia sets up panels to investigate ex-governor

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia on Tuesday set up two judicial commissions of inquiry to probe the administration of former governor, Samuel Ortom.

The commissions are the Benue Income and Expenditure Commission of Inquiry 2024 and the Sale/Lease of Government Assets, Companies, and Markets (both State and LG Markets) Moribund Companies Commission of Inquiry 2024.

While inaugurating members of the commissions, the governor said the inquiry was to promote accountability, transparency and good governance.

The Income and Expenditure Inquiry Commission is chaired by Rtd Justice Taiwo with Dr Abraham Gberindyer as Secretary while Rtd Justice Appolos Idi chairs the Assets and Moribund Companies Inquiry Commission with John Edigbo as Secretary.

According to the Governor, the commissions would investigate the eight-year tenure of Ortom from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023, and have six months to submit their reports.

Alia said the judicial commissions were constituted in line with the Commission of Inquiry Law (Cap 40) Laws of Benue State, 2004.

He emphasized that the investigation was not a mere bureaucratic endeavour but a response to the earnest desires and hopes of the Benue people, who are critical stakeholders and owners of the state and its resources.

“The future prosperity of Benue hinges on the prudent and judicious management of our resources.

“As we usher in a new era characterized 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.

“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,” he said.