Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has decided to open old wounds in his state.
This is coming on heels the governor’s inauguration of two judicial commissions of inquiry, to probe the management of state’s resources, and assets under the administration of his predecessor, Chief Samuel Ortom.
The two commissions of inquiry inaugurated, include the 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’s assets, companies and markets including state and local government owned markets, as well as moribund companies from or before May 28, 2015 up to May 28, 2023.
Inaugurating the commissions of inquiry at the Government House, Makurdi, Governor Alia said the two commissions of inquiry were set up in response to the desire of the people of the state, who are the major stakeholders and owners of the resources.
The governor emphasized his government’s strong determination to effective resources management, citing the timely payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, to the execution of critical infrastructure projects, as contained in his administration’s blueprint, “A Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue.”
On his part, Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Income and Expenditure of the Benue State Government 2015-2023, Justice Taiwo Taiwo (retd), and Chairman of the Sale/Lease of Government Assets, Companies and Markets, Justice Apollos Idi (retd), commended the governor for finding them worthy to serve and expressed their readiness to work in line with the terms of reference given to them.
They equally promised to do their best to come up with recommendations that will help the government to move the state forward.
The Commission of Inquiry on the Income and Expenditure of Government Funds from May 2015 to May 2023, has Justice Taiwo Taiwo (retd) as the Chairman, with Chief John Ochoga, Henry Tor, Tom Ujah, Ode Igbade Nick, Iorpenda Tarnguhar and Terfa Gbande, as members, while Ajinge Sar, Dr. Abraham Gberindyer, serves as Government Counsel and Secretary, respectively.
The Commission of Inquiry on the Sale of Assets, Companies and Markets from 2015 to 2023, has Justice Apollos Paul Idi (retd) as the Chairman, with Clement Nenge Beetse, John Ogah, Dr. Terungwa Adzende and Abraham Atotse as members, while Victor Nyamtamen and John Edigbo, serve as Government Council and Secretary, respectively.
They have six months to complete their assignment and submit their reports to the government.
Meanwhile, Ortom has said he was not afraid of the probe, as he has nothing to hide.
A statement by his media aide said the former governor had no reservations over steps taken by his successor to probe his eight-year rule.
“Ortom is willing to cooperate with the probe panels as long as the investigation is carried out in line with the law, because his administration was built on transparency, accountability and good governance.
“Ortom is ready to provide any information or clarification, as may be required.
“He has urged all those who held political appointments in his administration to make themselves available whenever called upon to provide clarifications,” Ortom said.