EFCC Unfreezes Benue Account …As Ortom Thanks Nigerians for Rising Against Impunity

The Benue State Government can now access its accounts with various banks following the unfreezing of its account by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on Thursday.

According to the Press Secretary to the Governor, Terver Akase, the state government got knowledge of the unfrozen of the accounts when it got calls from the banks that the state could now transact business.

He said there was no document served on the government by the EFCC to show that the accounts were frozen or unfrozen but added that on both occasions, they were informed by the banks.

Akase also disclosed that the federal government and its agencies have launched a witch-hunt on the state  Governor, Samuel Ortom, over his defection from the All Progressives Congress(APC) to PDP

According to him, "As I speak to you, several moves are being made to embarrass and intimidate the governor but this move will not work as governor Ortom-led government remains transparent and will not fall to any intimidation."

He said the government of the state welcomed the probe by the EFCC of its security vote account which he advocate should be done without impunity.

The governor’s spokesman also challenged the EFCC to extend its probe of security spending to the presidency and other states.

He called for the investigation of the financial spending of special military operation led by the Nigerian army.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Governor, Ortom, has appreciated patriotic Nigerians for their solidarity, support and prayers which have enabled the country as well as Benue State to overcome the recent wave of impunity.

He stated that the development has deepened democracy which strives on the rule of law and due process.

The governor believes that the nationwide condemnation which trailed the Police and DSS siege on the Benue State House of Assembly as well as the invasion of the National Assembly would be remembered and appreciated by patriots now and in the future.

Ortom said the condemnation of EFCC's freezing of the state's accounts and general outcry have made the organisation to unfreeze the said accounts.

The governor also thanks the presidency for intervening to end impunity and the siege on the legislature.

He appreciates the Benue people for their support as well as religious and traditional leaders across the country who have stood by the truth and called for the protection of democracy.

The Governor further thanks the Nigerian Governors' Forum, civil society organisations and the media for being true defenders of democracy and advocates of justice, fairness and equity.

He wishes to assure Nigerians, particularly the people of Benue State, that he would not bow to intimidation and harassment aimed at bullying him into silence.