From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has said he welcomes the inauguration of two Judicial Commission of inquiries by his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, to probe the activities of his administration between 2015 and 2023.
The former Governor, in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Terver Akase, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday.
Recall that Governor Hyacinth Alia on Monday night, inaugurated two Commission of Inquiries; the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Income and Expenditure of 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 28th, 2023.
They have six months to among other things, look into how the Bailout and Paris Club refunds were expended; look into the loans procured by the state during the right years of Ortom’s administration and report how such loans were used.
Chief Ortom said he is willing to cooperate with the probe panels as long as the investigation is carried out in line with the law.
He stressed that his administration was built on transparency, accountability, and good governance and has nothing to hide.
He emphasises his readiness to provide any information or clarification, as may be required.
Chief Ortom urged his former appointees to equally make themselves available whenever they are called upon to provide clarifications.