Benue Commission Of Inquiry Indict Ortom’s Administration For Alleged Unaccounted N139.8bn

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MAKURDI – The Benue State Income and Expenditure Commission Inquiry has revealed that about N139.8 billion was not accounted for by the Chief Samuel Ortom, led administration between 2015 and 2023.

The Commission of Inquiry which was inaugurated by the State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, in 2025, was set up to examine the income and expenditure of the immediate past administration and the 23 local government councils between May 29, 2015, and May 28, 2023.

Disclosing this while presenting its report to the governor in Makurdi on Friday, Chairman of the Commission, Justice Jubril Idrisu (rtd), explained that the commission had some hitches along the way, hence the delay in presenting the report.

Justice Idrisu, noted that it drew its findings after a tedious review of financial records and conducted public hearings involving former government officials and institutions.

He raised serious concerns in the report which is contained in the two-volume, including the management of public finances within the period.

The jurist stated that according to records at the disposal of the Commission, Benue generated over
N826.5 billion in revenue, while expenditure stood at about N683.4 billion.

He however stated that approximately N139.8 billion was left unaccounted for, adding that the Commission recommends that the proceeds should be recovered from some persons that were identified to be responsible.

According to Justice Idrisu, it arrived at the conclusion following public hearings involving former government officials and institutions.

While, the commission chairman noted that investigations uncovered questionable loan transactions involving financial institutions and local government councils, he explained that the transactions, include repayments that far exceeded the original loan amounts, with inadequate documentation to justify the transactions.

Furthermore, he said the Commission identified other irregular financial dealings involving public funds transferred to certain financial institutions without sufficient records or proof of legitimacy, just as he recommended that appropriate steps be taken to make recoveries where necessary.

Justice Idrisu, therefore, emphasized the need for stronger financial controls, including proper authorization of online transactions by designated officers and an end to the practice of issuing blank pre-signed mandates, which he noted undermines transparency and accountability.

He observed that the chairman was chosen to head the commission based on his established record as a fearless jurist and a man of integrity, pointing out that his contributions to the assignment would remain a significant part of Benue’s historical records.

Receiving the report on behalf of Governor Alia, the Deputy Governor Barr Sam Ode, reiterated the commitment of the Alia administration to transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms.

The governor acknowledged the challenges encountered by the Commission, including difficulties in obtaining information and cooperation from relevant persons and institutions, but commended the committee for their resilience and dedication to completing the assignment.

Describing the assignment undertaken by the commission as courageous and painstaking, Alia stressed that there was need to address the challenges that has impeded the growth of the state, especially the abuse of public trust by individuals entrusted with managing public resources.

He expressed confidence that the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations would usher in far-reaching institutional reforms, discourage the mismanagement of public funds, and ensure that those found culpable are held accountable.