Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Iormem
Alia is set to entrench
accountability and transparency as
he inaugurated two judicial commissions of inquiry in the state.
The inauguration took place recently at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi.
Governor Alia, in his charge to
the appointed members, emphasised
the gravity of their duties and urged
them to execute their responsibilities
diligently, with the aim of fostering
good governance and serving the best
interests of the people of Benue State.
He set a timeline for the submission
of their reports, expecting comprehensive findings within six months.
Chaired by Hon. Justice Taiwo
Taiwo (Rtd), the first commission,
according to the governor, is entrusted with the task of delving into the
financial activities of the Benue State
Government. Their ambit spans from
May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023, encompassing an exhaustive examination
of income, expenditure, bank transactions, loans, waivers, special interventions, internally generated revenues,
cases of misappropriation, contracts,
wage bills and the identification of
ghost workers who were enlisted on
government payroll.
The committee, comprising individuals of high integrity such as
Chief John AA Ochoga, Henry Tor,
Tom Uja, Odeh Igbabe Nicke, Iorpenda Tanguhwar, Terfa Gbande,
Government Counsel, Barr. Ajinge
Saa and Dr. Abraham Gberindyer as
Secretary, is poised to uncover any irregularities and recommend appropriate actions for the betterment of
governance and the populace.
Simultaneously, the second commission, led by the venerable Hon.
Justice Apollos Paul Idi (Rtd), is
tasked with scrutinizing the sale/
lease of government assets, companies and markets, both at the state and
local government levels, spanning the
same timeframe.
Their responsibilities encompass
identifying properties, companies,
markets sold or leased, determining
their correct value and status, assessing buyers/lessees, evaluating transaction values, ensuring compliance
with due process and identifying
moribund state companies.
With a team consisting of Clement Nenge Beetseh, John Oga, Hon.
Terungwa Azende, Hon. Abraham
Atotse, Victor Nyamtamen and John
Edigbo as secretary, this commission
is committed to shedding light on any
discrepancies and providing recommendations for corrective measures.
