After five weeks since the inauguration of two judicial commissions of inquiry to investigate the activities of former Governor Samuel Ortom, Arewa PUNCH investigations reveal that they are now prepared to question him and his aides. The state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, had inaugurated the panels on February 26, 2024, to probe Ortom's activities while in office.
The first panel, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Income and Expenditure of Benue State Government from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023, is chaired by retired Justice Taiwo Taiwo from the South-West. The second panel, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Sale/Lease of Government Assets, Companies, and Markets, is chaired by Justice Appolos Idi (retd) from Gombe, North-East.
Despite initial delays, the panels are now set to commence their proceedings after Easter, as confirmed by the state Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim. The panels are tasked with identifying the income, expenditure, and utilisation of Benue State Government funds during Ortom's tenure, as well as examining loans, special interventions, and possible abuses.
Former Governor Samuel Ortom, through his media aide, Terver Akase, has stated readiness to face the panels and has urged his aides to do the same. The delay in the take-off of the probe panels had raised questions, but the state government has assured residents that the panels will begin sitting next week.
