Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom has described the freezing of the state accounts by Economic and Financial Crime Commission ( EFCC) as part of political witch- hunt and victimisation being plotted against him, even as he said, such move will have a negative toll on the state.
The chief press secretary to the governor, Terver Akase who confirmed the freezing of the state government’s accounts by EFCC, said, “Yes, it is true that accounts of the Benue State government have been frozen by EFCC,” describing the action as part of the political witch-hunt against Governor Samuel Ortom.
According to him, the action of EFCC is already having negative impact on the running of government in Benue State, adding that it is a move that will affect salaries, pensions and other sundry payments.
“The question we are asking is; why did EFCC not investigate the governor’s security votes when he was still a member of APC? Why start the investigation now?” The governor urged the EFCC not to allow itself to be used as an attack dog unleashed against perceived political opponents. “We want the federal government to tell us how much it has spent on prosecuting the fight against Boko Haram and how much it spent on the other operations such as Python Dance, Crocodile Smile and Whirl Stroke.
“Benue has suffered heavy attacks by Fulani herdsmen since the beginning of the year. Within the period, the state government has spent a lot to legitimately support security agencies to protect the people of the state. Governor Ortom has not diverted funds. He runs a transparent administration.
“We welcome the investigation, but as I said earlier, it should start from the Presidency and go across the 36 states. Benue should not be singled out for victimisation, intimidation and harassment as the federal government with its agencies is currently doing.”
