The Benue State Income and Expenditure Commission of Inquiry 2024 on Saturday called for memoranda ahead of its inaugural sitting.
This is contained in statement jointly signed by its Chairman Justice Taiwo Taiwo (rtd) and Secretary, Dr Abraham Gberindyer and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.
According to reports, Gov Hyacient Alia had on 27th February inaugurated two commissions of inquiry to probe the administration of Chief Samuel Ortom, former Benue State Governor between 2015 to 2023.
The statement indicated that the mails should reach the commission at High Court 6, opposite Nigeria Immigration Service Command, Makurdi not later than 14 days from May 10, 2024.
It stated that for every memoranda a total of 11 hard copies and 1 soft copy shall be submitted.
According to the statement the Commission is to among others identify the income of the Benue State Government between May 29, 2015 and May 28, 2023; look into the expenditure and utilisation of the income within the same period.
“They are also to identify all the Benue State Bank accounts and examine the propriety or otherwise of the transactions in the accounts within the period under review.
“The commission is also to identify the loans taken by the Benue State Government during Chief Ortom’s administration, ascertain the appropriateness of the utilisation, interest charged on the loans and the possible abuses thereof,” it stated.
It added that others were to identify the loans given out by the previous government, waivers and the possible abuses thereof, as well as to identify the special interventions, including but not limited to the Bailout Funds, Paris Club Refunds received within the period and their application.
“The Commission is to further determine the internally generated revenue and the utilisation of same, identify cases of misappropriation, abuse, misuse and diversion of Benue State funds within the period.
“They are to also identify those involved in the misappropriation, abuse, misuse and diversion of Benue State funds between May 29, 2015 and May 28, 2023, and suggest the appropriate actions thereof.
“The Commission is also expected to Identify all the contracts awarded by the Government between May 29, 2015 and May 28, 2023, examine whether due process was followed in the awards of contracts and if they were executed.
“It is also expected to identify the actual wage bill of Benue State Government and payment thereof between May 29, 2015 and May 28, 2023; identify all the ghost workers who were paid salaries during the period, and review all such transactions and advise government on the appropriate action.
“For the purpose of this instrument, Benue State Funds shall include the Income and Expenditure of the 23 Local Governments in Benue State.
“To help the Commission carry out its assignment effectively and timeously, the Commission hereby invites memoranda from the Members of the Public; Financial Institutions/Banks; the 23 Local Government Councils of Benue State; Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“All memoranda which are to be addressed to The chairman, Benue State Income and Expenditure Commission of Inquiry 2024 shall be submitted in 11 hard copies and 1 soft copy, should reach the Commission at Court 6, Opposite Nigerian Immigration Service Command, Makurdi, Benue State not later than 14 days from the date of this publication.” It stated
It noted that the Commission had six months, with effect from its first sitting, to submit its report for consideration.
Ortom, had already indicated willingness to cooperate with the commission and has directed his former appointees to be ready to give account of their stewardship if called upon.