Benue State High-Court Blocks Governor Alia From Investigating Former-Governor Ortom (Details)

A Benue State High Court has restrained the Benue State Government from probing the administration of former Governor Chief Samuel Ortom. This decision comes after the state government recently established a commission of inquiry to investigate the funds (income and expenditure) of Benue State from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023, targeting Ortom’s immediate past administration…..CONTINUE READING

The court order prevents the panel from convening until a motion on notice filed by former Governor Ortom is heard and determined. Justice T. T. Asua issued the order while ruling on an ex-parte motion seeking to prohibit the Benue State income and expenditure commission of inquiry from taking any action based on its terms of reference as listed in the Benue State Gazette No. 17, Vol. 49 of February 27, 2024.

Chief Ortom’s counsel, Oba Maduabuchi, SAN, argued that the Auditor General, empowered by the 1999 Constitution (as amended), has already investigated, audited, and certified the accounts of Benue State Government, submitting the reports to the Benue State House of Assembly. He asserted that the Assembly has acted on these reports, rendering the new commission’s probe redundant and unauthorized.

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Maduabuchi contended that the Governor of Benue State lacks the authority to form the commission and that its actions represent an abuse of office and a vendetta. He pointed out that the Auditor General’s reports, published in several state gazettes, are public documents that have already addressed the issues listed in the commission’s terms of reference.

After considering Maduabuchi’s arguments, Justice Asua granted the motion, recognizing that the applicant had demonstrated sufficient interest to justify the leave sought. He ordered that the motion on notice be scheduled for hearing within 14 days and restrained the commission of inquiry from proceeding with any actions related to the matter until the motion is resolved.

Published By: Destiny.Jnr