By Ijeoma Obioma in Makurdi.
L-R: Ex-Governor Samuel and Governor Hyacinth Alia.
(C). Daily Post Nigeria.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has vowed to standby ex-Governor Samuel Ortom over the constitution of two panels by his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, to probe his administration finances between 2015 and 2023.
Governor Alia had few days ago selected two justices – Justice Taiwo Taiwo (rtd) and Justice Apollo’s Paul Idi – from outside the state to head the two panels which are vested with separate mandates to probe into the assets and finances of the state during the era of the Ortom administration from May 29, 2015 to May 28, 2023.
Ortom on his part has since expressed his readiness to submit himself before any lawful process as will require him to give account of his stewardship as governor.
But, the State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Bemgba Iortyom, in a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi, faulted the timing of the probe exercise, as he pointed out that it was coming at a time Governor Alia’s table is already full with issues of insecurity and allegations of monumental corruption taking place under his watch.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, likewise, recognises the place of probity and accountability as necessary components of good governance, and will stand by its Leader, Chief Ortom, through this process of stock-taking, if that is actually what it will be.
“Nevertheless, the party raises questions as to the timing of the probe exercise, coming at a time Governor Alia’s table is already full with issues of insecurity and allegations of monumental corruption taking place under his watch.
“PDP recalls that only last week the governor issued a 14 days ultimatum to herders who have instreamed into the state with thousands of cattle to leave, however, there was no clear statement on the consequences for non compliance with the ultimatum.
“Today marks the 8th day into that ultimatum and if anything, the herders have intensified their influx into the state coming in larger numbers and with larger herds of livestock, thereby deepening insecurity and putting to greater jeopardy the survival of the people who depend on the land for basic sustenance.
“In the last few days, the national
PDP cautions Governor Alia against trifling with the security and well-being of the people of Benue State whom he swore on oath to serve, and must resist the temptation to indulge in vendetta and smokescreens while insecurity and poverty pose an increasingly monstrous existential threat to the people,” Iortyom maintained.
Meanwhile, Governor Alia has said that the two panels – Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Income and Expenditure of Benue State Government (from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023), and the 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) to do a thorough job was set up in response to the yearnings of the citizens.
The governor explained that the setting up of the two commissions of inquiries to look into the activities of the outgone administration has become necessary in response to the desire of the people of the state who are the major stakeholders and owners of the resources.
