The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has
frozen three bank accounts belonging to the government of Benue State.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor,
Samuel Ortom, Terver Akase,the
commission had linked the governor to an alleged fraud to the tune of
N22 billion but Ortom denied the allegation.
The EFCC said between June 30, 2015, and March 2018, the
governor ordered the withdrawal of N21.3billion from four government’s accounts
in Guaranty Trust Bank, First Bank of Nigeria and the United Bank for Africa.
On paper, about N19bn out of the money was said to be meant
for the payment of six security agencies that had been deployed in the state to
address the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers.
Akase said: "Yes, it is true that accounts of the Benue
State Government have been frozen by EFCC. It is part of the political witch-hunt
against Governor Ortom. The action of EFCC is already having negative impact on
the running of the government. It is a move that will affect salaries, pensions
and other sundry payments.
"The question we are asking is, why did EFCC not
investigate the governor's security votes when he was still a member of APC?
Why start the investigation now? “
He said EFCC should not allow itself to be used as an attack
dog unleashed against perceived political opponents.
"Let the federal government tell us how much it has
spent on prosecuting the fight against Boko Haram and how much it spent on the
other operations such as Python Dance, Crocodile Smile and Whirl Stroke.
He added that Benue has suffered heavy attacks by Fulani
herdsmen since the beginning of the year even as he said legitimate support
were giving security agencies to protect the people of the state.
"Governor Ortom has not diverted funds. He runs a
transparent administration," the aide said.
Akase said the state government would welcome the investigation,
but added it should start from the Presidency and go across the 36 states.
Benue should not be singled out for victimisation, intimidation and harassment
as the federal government with its agencies is currently doing."
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