Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has initiated two separate judicial commissions of inquiry to investigate the management of the state’s resources and assets during the tenure of his predecessor, Samuel Ortom. The commissions, inaugurated on Monday night, are tasked with scrutinizing the activities of the former administration between 2015 and 2023.
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 Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Sale/Lease of Government Assets, Companies, and Markets—have been charged with conducting thorough investigations. Governor Alia stated that the establishment of these commissions is in response to the desire of the people of Benue State, who are the major stakeholders and owners of the resources.
In response, the Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Income and Expenditure of the Benue State Government 2015-2023, Justice Taiwo Taiwo (rtd), assured that they would conduct a comprehensive investigation within the allotted time frame. Similarly, the Chairman of the Judicial Commission on Sale/Lease of Government Assets, Companies, and Markets, Justice Apollos Paul Idi (rtd), expressed readiness to work according to their terms of reference and provide recommendations to move the state forward.
The Commission of Inquiry on the Income and Expenditure of Government Funds from May 2015 to May 2023 comprises Chief John Ochoga, Henry Tor, Tom Ujah, Ode Igbade Nick, Iorpenda Tarnguhar, and Terfa Gbande as members, with Barr. Ajinge Sar and Dr. Abraham Gberindyer serving as government counsel and secretary, respectively. The Commission of Inquiry on the Sale of Assets, Companies, and Markets from 2015 to 2023 includes Clement Nenge Beetse, John Ogah, Dr. Terungwa Adzende, and Hon. Abraham Atotse as members, with Victor Nyamtamen (Esq.) and John Edigbo serving as government council and secretary, respectively.
Former Governor Samuel Ortom has welcomed the inauguration of the two judicial commissions by his successor and expressed his willingness to cooperate with the probe panels as long as the investigation is conducted within the confines of the law. Ortom stressed that his administration was built on transparency, accountability, and good governance and reiterated his readiness to provide any necessary information or clarification.
Daily Trust