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Tag: Ortom

  • Alleged N107b fraud: Ortom may take Suswam, 51 others to EFCC

    Alleged N107b fraud: Ortom may take Suswam, 51 others to EFCC

    Benue State government may take ex-Governor Gabriel Suswam and 51 others to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    It said a petition will soon be sent to the anti-graft agency.

    A source said: “The Benue State government will soon forward report of the Kpojime Commission of Enquiry to the EFCC. We will ensure that those who looted resources of the state are brought to justice.

    “We are not out to witch-hunt anyone but to lay the facts and figures bare before the public to get justice for the masses. We have to retrieve looted funds and use them for development.”

    Special Adviser on Media and ICT to the Governor Mr. Terver Akase said: “The state has not submitted any petition to the EFCC, but the process is on. I just spoke with the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Micheal Gusah, who said the process is on.”

    The over 240-page report of the commission from 2007 to 2015 alleged that Suswam and many of his appointees, including civil servants, mismanaged resources of the state.

    Those blamed include Solomon Wombo, Omodachi Oklobia, Emmanuel Atini, Asen Sambe, Isaiah Ipevnor, Paul Biam, Aza Biam, Maria Iyortyom, Michael Oko Agbam, Miss Ajuma Olokpo and Abel Musa (a bank worker).

    Others are Mohammed Kabir Rago, Terna Kester Ikyenge, Yerfa Atoza Hindan, Terna Iyorkyaan, San Carlos Benue Farms/Tyokegh, Christian Aba (aka Mad Lion), Sunday D. Umoru, Ruth Ijir, Kpaapka, Andrew Ayabam.

    Some of the corporate bodies fingered in the looting include: Ashitech and Ashi Foods, Carlos Benue Farms, SCAMPT Nigeria Ltd, among others.

    The panel recommended that 52 individuals and 10 corporate bodies should refund over N107 billion to the government.

    It also recommended investigation and possible refund of over N44 billion from transactions found not in compliance with laid down guidelines.

    The panel said N1.21 trillion accrued to the state from about 27 identified sources,  of which N802 billion was appropriated, while N219 billion was expended but not appropriated.

    The former governor, ex-Commissioner for Finance Omadachi Oklobia, former Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Solomon Wombo, two ex-permanent secretaries, Emmanuel Atini and Asen Sambe, Messrs Isaiah Ipevnor, a former accountant of the bureau, were alleged to have diverted local government funds amounting to N51, 559,859,968.00 into personal use.

    Suswam is facing trial at a Federal High Court in Abuja for alleged N3.1 billion fraud relating to the same issue raised by the Justice Kpojime-led probe panel.

  • I’ll do wonders in Benue with N219b loot, says Ortom

    I’ll do wonders in Benue with N219b loot, says Ortom

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has expressed his desire to change the state’s fortunes when funds stolen during the last administration are recovered.

    A commission of enquiry discovered N219 billion looted fund, and the governor hopes it would solve the state’s financial problems.

    Ortom said: “If I have N219 billion, I will do wonders for this state. It is a lot of money. Let them bring back this money and even the N802 billion we are talking about. Even that one, there are issues over it.

    “We want to pay salaries, we want to pay pensioners their money, we want to pay gratuity and we want to fulfil our contractual obligations, including the ones we inherited.

    “With N219 billion, it is enough to solve these problems. Nobody will hear about bailout again. I can even take from there and repay the Federal Government the amount they gave us as bailout fund.

    “We need rural roads, we need electricity, we want our hospitals to work, we want our schools to be functional. This is where this money will go. So we must recover it by the grace of God.”

    He said there would be no plea bargain or political settlement, adding that stakeholders are unanimous on the refund of looted funds.

    “There is no political settlement on this matter of our commonwealth.

    I invited stakeholders last year and they were unanimous that refund must be made for our commonwealth. So, no settlement; there is nothing like settlement.

    “If you can make refund, I have no case against you. If you said you took N10 billion and you refund the N10 billion, I will tell you to go and sin no more. But where you cannot, this is when I will have problems with you,” Ortom said.

  • Ortom calls for end of strike

    Ortom calls for end of strike

    Tenue State Governor Samuel Ortom has assured academic and non-academic workers of tertiary institutions that the government will address their demands as soon as the state’s finances improve.

    He urged them to call off their strike, to save the future of students.

    The governor, who spoke when he met officials of unions in tertiary institutions, said the government was worried about the non-payment of allowances, attributing it to unavailability of funds.

    He assured the striking workers that his administration will pay their allowances once the economy of the state improves.

    Ortom enjoined them to end the strike in the interest of the state, saying the country’s poor economic made it difficult for the state to pay the allowances.

    The Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Tertiary Institutions, Comrade Torseer Haa Orpin, hailed the decision of Governor Ortom to meet the unions, saying the step would lead to amicable resolution of the matter.

    Others who spoke included the Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Tertiary Institutions, Comrade Ijime Akuhwa and his Non-Academic Staff Union counterpart, Comrade Teryima Kaaie.

    The governor has set up a technical committee to look into the strike.

    Among the demands the unions presented during the meeting was the payment of 10 per cent medical allowances owed them in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

    They are also asking for increase in the retirement age of members, hazard allowances, among others.

  • Ortom, Al-Makura seek closer ties

    Ortom, Al-Makura seek closer ties

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State and his Nasarawa State counterpart, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura have canvassed closer ties between the two states.

    They made the disclosure when Ortom visited his colleague at the Government House in Lafia.

    Ortom said beside common boundaries the two states shared other similarities including ethnic composition, a common history as well,  as cultural and political affiliation and that they must partner to tackle common challenges.

    He said, he was in Lafia to arrange a meeting of major stakeholders from the two states to deliberate on boundary and peaceful coexistence as a proactive measure to forestall any breakdown of law and order and also sustain the existing peace.

    Al-Makura described his Benue State counterpart as a friend and brother, who was passionate about good neighbourliness and peaceful coexistence.

    He expressed hope that their close relationship could facilitate the deepening of affinities between the government and people of the two states.

    The governor described the Ortom administration’s amnesty programme as an innovative problem solving strategy and hoped to replicate same in Nasarawa State.

    The two leaders agreed to hold regular meetings and consultations on common challenges such as security and  together search for solutions.

  • Supreme Court upholds Ortom’s election

    Supreme Court upholds Ortom’s election

    The Supreme Court yesterday upheld the election of Samuel Ortom as governor of Benue State.

    The court, in a unanimous judgment by a seven-man panel, held that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Terhemen Tarzoor were incompetent to challenge the nomination and sponsorship of Ortom as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the April 11 governorship election.

    It was the contention of the appellants that Ortom, having not allegedly participated in APC’s primary, was not a valid candidate and was not competent to contest the election.

    Justice Nwali Ngwuta, who read the lead judgment, held that issues relating to a party’s primary were internal to the party and that any question in relation to the conduct of a party’s primary could only be raised by a members of the party, who participated in the primary.

    The Justice was of the opinion that it is the law that a non-member of a party cannot challenge the conduct or outcome of a party’s primary.

    He was of the opinion that anybody, who did not participate in the primary election of the APC and is challenging Ortom’s election on the ground of improper nomination is a “busy-body”‎.

    He awarded N300,000 as cost against the appellants and in favour of  Ortom and the APC.

     “We have come to the conclusion that the appellants have no locus to challenge the internal workings of another party.

    “The appeal has no merit and it is hereby dismissed. The appellants are to pay cost in the sum of N150, 000 to each of the 1st and second responds (APC and Ortom).

    “The cross-appeals have been overtaken by the event of the termination of this appeal and are hereby struck out,” Justice Ngwuta said.

    Tarzoor and the PDP had gone before the election tribunal, arguing that Ortom was not properly nominated by his party (the APC).

    The tribunal dismissed  the petition by Tarzoor and his party, following which they appealed to the Court of Appeal, Makurdi.

    A five-man bech of the Court of Appeal, in a unanimous decision read by Justice Mohammed Garba, dismissed the appeal by Tarzoor and his party for lacking in merit.

    The appellant court upheld the tribunal’s verdict and held that the appellants failed to discharge the burden of proof required them, in line with the legal dictum that ” he who alleges must prove.”

    Tarzoor and PDP went before the Supreme Court to challenge the Court of Appeal’s decision.

  • Stop celebrating questionable wealth, says Ortom

    Stop celebrating questionable wealth, says Ortom

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has urged communities to join the Federal Government’s crusade against corruption, by refusing to celebrate those whose source of wealth is questionable.

    He spoke yesterday when he visited the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, in Abuja.

    The governor hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to the fight against corruption and enjoined communities to question the source of people’s wealth.

    He noted that with people’s support, the war against graft would be won.

    Ortom thanked the commandant-general for the value his organisation added to security and said the indigenes should be considered in subsequent recruitment.

    Muhammadu said Benue was among states that supported NSCDC to deliver on its mandate and promised to reciprocate the gesture.

     

  • Ortom solicits more appointments for Benue indigenes

    Ortom solicits more appointments for Benue indigenes

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has appealed to the Federal Government to give more opportunities to indigenes of the state to make contributions to the development of the country at the federal level.

    He spoke when he visited the Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal,  in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, recently.

    Ortom said Benue has qualified, competent and patriotic sons and and daughters who are ready to offer quality service to the nation, if given the opportunity.

    He said the people expected more appointments at the federal level by virtue of their contributions to the unity and progress of the country and the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government at the centre.

    Lawal acknowledged the submissions of Governor Ortom and pledged to take up his request at the appropriate quarters.

    Also in Abuja, the governor urged the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,  Chief Audu Ogbeh, to justify the confidence reposed in him, by deploying his vast experience to the service of the nation.

    Ortom appealed to the minister to assist the state to utilise its potentials in the agriculture sector, where it has comparative advantage over other states, pointing out his appointment was made with the recognition that he is a Benue indigene.

    The governor announced that his administration had concluded plans to host the minister soon.

    Ogbeh said the nation had no alternative, but to return to agriculture, since the oil it had relied upon as its major revenue earner could not longer sustain the delivery of its financial responsibilities.

    With this development, he said Benue State will play a significant role in the scheme of things to the mutual benefit of both the state and the Federal Government.

    Ortom also visited the Permanent Secretary in the Ecological Funds Office where he sought assistance to tackle ecological challenges in the state, particularly Makurdi, Gboko and Otukpo. In his response, the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Abbas, assured that the request will be considered.

  • Ortom budgets N133b for 2016

    Ortom budgets N133b for 2016

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom yesterday presented N133 billion budget to the House of Assembly.

    He was accompanied by Deputy Governor Benson Abouno and members of the Executive Council.

    Ortom said capital expenditure would be N67.4 billion and recurrent expenditure, N65.9 billion.

    He said the economy sector had the highest allocation of N58.3 billion, representing 43 per cent, while the social sector had N49.3 billion (36 per cent).

    “Our objectives in the economy sector include encouragement of micro, small and medium scale enterprises, commercial and investment activities that will create jobs, wealth and opportunities.

    “We have prioritised agriculture, with emphasis on farm mechanistion, land development, rehabilitation of agro-service centres and colleges of agriculture.”

  • Ortom laments inability to fulfill mother’s wish

    Ortom laments inability to fulfill mother’s wish

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has lamented his inability to fulfill his late mother’s request to buy a mattress for her before she passed on.

    He spoke at Azom, Kwenev, in Guma Local Government Area, when he visited her graveside during a reception organised by her kinsmen in his honour.

    Ortom described his mother, the late Mrs. Wajina Ortom, a petty trader and farmer, as the epitome of hard work and the mainstay of the entire family, adding that she laboured to provide food for every member.

    He said she requested that he buy a mattress for her in 1982, but he was not able to fulfill the wish, until she had a miscarriage on the farm and died in 1983.

    The governor expressed appreciation to God that He prospered the seed she had sown by using him as a blessing to multitudes of people.

    He pledged that the state government would empower the Vigilante Group to complement the security agencies in the task of curbing crime.

    Governor Ortom stated, however, that they would operate under the guidance and supervision of traditional rulers and other community leaders.

    He promised to provide an earth dam and other critical infrastructure for the community as soon as the financial fortunes of the state improved.

    President of Kwenev Community Development Association, Mr. Stephen Ikomon, commended the governor for the appointment of several indigenes into government positions and requested for more of such.

    He listed lack of portable water, construction or rehabilitation of the Agasha Road, compensation for land acquired by the Nigeria Airforce, and establishment of a police station as challenges of the community for which he solicited assistance.

  • Ugwuanyi, Ortom, Oshiomhole, Umahi, Bello call for prayers, tolerance

    Ugwuanyi, Ortom, Oshiomhole, Umahi, Bello call for prayers, tolerance

    Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), David Umahi (Ebonyi) and Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger) have joined their counterparts from other states in calling on Nigerians to offer special prayers for the nation’s progress

    They asked the citizens to dedicate their lives to the service of God as well as advancement of peace and tolerance.

    Ugwuanyi, in a message by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Louis Amoke, said Christmas celebration offered Christians the opportunity to reflect on their relationship with God and how serve humanity.

    The governor noted that “the birth of Christ, which marks the beginning of salvation of mankind and power over the forces of darkness, can only be appreciated if Christians tolerate one another and dedicate themselves to things that will promote peace and the Will of God”.

    He added that it was only through prayers and faith in God that the nation could surmount its challenges.

    Ortom felicitated with the Christian and Muslim communities in his state on the occasion of the celebration of the Christmas and Eid-el-Maulud.

    In a statement, he prayed that the peace and love of the season would be with the people and enable them to have hitch-free celebrations.

    He urged Muslims and Christians in the state to live in harmony and avoid acts that engender discord and that are likely to breach the prevailing peace among the two groups.

    Oshiomhole thanked Edo people for their love, support, best wishes and prayers in the last seven years as he celebrates his last Christmas with them as governor.

    In his Christmas message, the governor said: “We started the year on a very difficult note and I am happy that we are finishing the year on a lot happier note.

    “Of course, there are challenges in the economy, there are challenges in the country, our main source of national resources has dropped to 11 years low, slightly above 30 dollars and one is not yet sure if it will not go lower than that.

    “The good news is that Edo State Civil Servants received their December salaries on the 21st of the month and for me, that was important to ensure that those who truly live on salaries and wages get paid.”

    Umahi called on Christians to imbibe the eternal message of Christmas, which is pinned on love and peace.

    The governor urged the Christians to shun religion of convenience that celebrates wealth, pleasure and power without love and peace.

    Bello, in his message, urged Nigerians to remain hopeful for a better tomorrow, stating that the hard time being faced by Nigerians would soon be over.

    He said the country’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised to re-position the country to the path of glory in the comity of nations.