From TERESE TUHWA,
Worried by alleged assets and financial recklessness occasioned by immediate past governor of the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, the state governor, Rev Father Hyacinth Alia has constituted and inaugurated two judicial commissions of enquiries with a charge to scrutinize the management of state resources and assets under the immediate past administration.
The two commissions are expected to among other things; look into the Income and Expenditure of Benue State Government, from May 29th, 2015 to May 28, 2023, as well as sale/lease of government assets, companies and markets, both state and local government owned markets and moribund companies from or before May 28, 2015 to May 28th, 2023.
Performing the ceremony at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, Governor Alia explained that the setting up of the two Judicial Commissions of Inquiries has become necessary in response to the desire of the people of the state who he said are the major stakeholders and owners of the resources.
“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,” the governor explained.
According to Governor Alia, the future of Benue as a state depends largely on prudent management of its resources and as such, his administration will ensure that all monies expended, serve the collective purpose which is to take the state to greater heights.
“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.
“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 to uplift the standard of living while any mismanagement jeopardizes our collective progress,” governor Alia stated.
While expressing his belief in the integrity and track record of members of the commission to discharge their duties with utmost dedication and in accordance with the noble principles of public service, the governor however urged members of the commissions to recognise the gravity of their mandate, insisting that it was not rooted in distrust but in his administration’s commitment to the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance to safeguard the interests of people of the state.
He reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to effective resources management, citing the timely payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, to the execution of critical infrastructure projects as encapsulated in his administration’s blueprint, ‘A Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue.’
Responding on behalf of members of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Income and Expenditure of the state from 2015-2023, the Chairman, Justice Taiwo Taiwo (rtd) and his Sale/lease of Government Assets, Companies and Markets counterpart, Justice Apollos Paul Idi (rtd), they both expressed readiness to work in line with the terms of reference given to them.
The retired jurists equally promised to do their best to come up with recommendations that will help government to move the state forward.
The Commission of Inquiry on the Income and Expenditure of Government Funds from May, 2015- May, 2023 has Hon. Justice Taiwo Taiwo (rtd) as chairman with Chief John Ochoga, Henry Tor, Tom Ujah, Ode Igbade Nick, Iorpenda Tarnguhar and Terfa Gbande as members while Barr. Ajinge Sar, Dr. and Abraham Gberindyer are to serve as Government Counsel and Secretary respectively.
Similarly, the Commission of Inquiry on the Sale of Assets, Companies and Markets from 2015-2023 has Hon. Justice Apollos Paul Idi (rtd) as chairman with Clement Nenge Beetse, John Ogah, Dr. Terungwa Adzende and Hon. Abraham Atotse as members while Victor Nyamtamen (Esq.) and John Edigbo will serve as Government Council and Secretary, respectively.
The commissions have been separately mandated to amongst other things, unravel how bailout and Paris Club refunds were expended; look into the loans procured by the state during the period in question and report on how such loans were expended as well as identify companies owned by state government, both active and inactive and profer solutions on how the inactive ones can be revived amongst others.
The two commissions have been given six months to complete and submit reports on their assignments to the government.
