Benue: Panel uncovers N139.8bn unaccounted funds under Ortom’s administration
Benue state income and expenditure commission of inquiry has uncovered N139.8 billion in unaccounted public funds income and expenditure between 2015 and 2023.
In February 2024, Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, inaugurated two commissions to probe the management of the state’s resources and assets under the administration of Samuel Ortom, former governor of the state.
The two panels are the judicial commission of inquiry into the income and expenditure of the Benue state government (from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023) and the judicial commission of inquiry into the sale/lease of government assets, companies and markets (both state and local government-owned markets), as well as moribund companies (from or before May 28, 2015, to May 28, 2023).
According to NAN, Jubril Idrisu, chairman of the Benue state income and expenditure commission of inquiry, presented the panel’s report to Alia in Makurdi, the state capital, on Friday.
Idrisu said the findings showed that the state generated more than N826.5 billion in revenue during the period under review.
He added that the expenditure stood at N683.4 billion, revealing an unaccounted balance of approximately N139.8 billion, which the commission recommended should be recovered from persons found responsible.
“The commission’s findings, contained in two volumes, revealed significant concerns in the management of public finances during the period under review,” Idrisu said.
“Records showed that the state generated over N826.5 billion in revenue, while expenditure stood at about N683.4 billion, leaving an unaccounted balance of approximately N139.8 billion.”
Idrisu said the commission uncovered questionable loan transactions involving some financial institutions and local government councils, including repayments that far exceeded the original loan amounts without adequate documentation.
According to him, investigators identified irregular transfers of public funds to certain financial institutions without sufficient records or proof of legitimacy, recommending appropriate recoveries where necessary.
Responding, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms.
Represented by Sam Ode, deputy governor of the state, Alia commended the panel on the “painstaking assignment undertaken in the public interest”.
He noted that Idrisu was selected to head the commission because of his reputation as a fearless jurist and a man of integrity.
The governor said the implementation of the commission’s recommendations would strengthen institutions, curb the misuse of public resources, and ensure accountability for those found culpable.
He said the commission encountered challenges, including difficulties in obtaining information and cooperation from some individuals and institutions.
He apologised for logistical difficulties experienced by the commission, noting that the present administration inherited serious institutional and administrative challenges at the inception of its tenure.
