The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has inaugurated two commissions of enquiry with a charge for members to inquire into the income and expenditure of Benue State Government between May 29 2015- 2023 and another judicial commission of inquiry into the sales/ lease of government assets, companies and markets at both the state and local government areas within the same period to discharge their duties with responsibility to avoid lapses capable of jeopardizing the collective interest of the people.
Governor Alia who gave the charge while inaugurating the the two commissions of inquiry during a ceremony on Monday at government house Makurdi explained that setting the commissions of inquiry to look into activities of the immediate past administration became necessary, adding that government took the decision in compliance with the desire of the major stakeholders and owners of the resources.
According to the Governor the future of Benue as a state depended largely on the prudent management of its resources and assured that his administration would ensure that all monies expended serve the collective purpose which is to take the state to greater heights.
He noted that adequate allocation to vital sectors such as the economy, agriculture, education, security, health care and infrastructure uplifts the living standard of people while any mismanagement jeopardizes collective progress, expressing optimism that members of the two commissions would discharge their duties with utmost dedication and in accordance with the noble principles of public service.
While reiterating his administration’s unwavering commitment to effective resource management, he also cited the timely payment of salaries, pensions and the execution of critical infrastructure as encapsulated in his blue print and urged members of the commissions of inquiry to be guided by principles of accountability and transparency even as he urged them to look at the gravity of their assignment which was to assist government provide good governance to the people of Benue
In their separate responses the Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Income and Expenditure of the Benue State Government 2015-2023, Justice Taiwo Taiwo (Rtd), as well as that of the Sale/lease of Government Assets, Companies and Markets, Justice Apollos Paul Idi (Rtd), all expressed their readiness to work in line with the terms of reference given them and promised to do their best to come up with recommendations that would 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 the Chairman, with Chief John Ochoga, Henry Tor, Tom Ujah, Ode Igbade Nick, Iorpenda Tarnguhar and Terfa Gbande, as members, while Barr. Ajinge Sar, Dr. Abraham Gberindyer serve as Government Counsel and Secretary.
The other commission of inquiry on the Sale of Assets, Companies and Markets from 2015-2023, has Hon. Justice Apollos Paul Idi,Rtd as the Chairman, with Clement Nenge Beetse, John Ogah, Dr. Terungwa Adzende and Hon. Abraham Atotse as members while Victor Nyamtamen ,Esq. and John Edigbo serve as Government Council and Secretary, respectively.
The probe panels were separately tasked to amongst other things, look into how the 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 used, as well as identify the companies owned by the state government,both active and inactive,as well as profer solutions on how the inactive ones could be revived, amongst others.
They have 6 weeks to submit their reports.