I refunded N75m to Benue govt, never stole while in office

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

Immediate Past Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG), Prof. Joseph Alakali has recounted how he refunded N75m to the government coffers while in office, insisting that he never stole anything from the state.

Alakali stated this in response to a video circulating online in which his former boss, Governor Hycient Alia, allegedly referred to him as a thief.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi, on Saturday, the former scribe of the state said while serving as the SSG, between May 30, 2023 and September 9, 2024, he kept to his oath of office and was always conscious of being accountable to God, the Benue people and humanity.

He stated that he fulfilled his duties without taking bribes or misappropriating public funds.

He said: “It is on record that I refunded N75m to the Benue Government coffers as funds that were left after payment of the Navy land compensation; the committee I chaired, supervised the disbursement to land owners when I was SSG.

“The Governor and Exco are aware of this. I never collected money from any contractor for discharging my obligations which were a must before any Exco-approved contract could be executed.

“I am surprised by the accusations, especially regarding the Immigration Passport. This matter came up in February 2024, and was handled then. I did not bribe anybody because I was not at fault. I have explained the details about this to the Governor that if there was anything fishy about passport, it would have been that my signature was forged by some criminals. This I have already explained.

“Let me put it on record that I have never sold any single Benue passport or government information; God bears me witness. What could I actually have gotten from the sale of passports when I was a whole SSG of Benue State and had many avenues to be corrupt? How much can one get from the sale of passports?

“I am actually taken aback to hear the Governor refer to this matter again, and more shocked that he called me a thief that was in their midst and they did not know early enough and in addition making jest of my person and character.

“This is ridiculous and unacceptable. The accusations from HE are too grave, weighty and inappropriate from a Governor I served respectfully, sacrificially and without a single gain. Even my legitimate entitlements contained in my letter of appointment as SSG were not given to me, but I never complained.

“I appeal to the Governor to retract those non-complementary statements made in the public church function against the former SSG who has not been tried in any court of competent jurisdiction and convicted as a thief.

“The good thing here is that the Governor is a priest and I am a Christian and the Almighty, Just and True God who is above us all is between us and the truth is bare before him.”

He appreciated the public for its trust and concern for him and solicited for prayers.