Benue State government said Governor Samuel Ortom will hand over to the incoming administration on Sunday, May 28, 2023 to avoid prolonging the event on Monday, May 29.
It urged the incoming administration to judiciously use the N62 billion federal government funds meant to pay salaries, pensions and gratuities which the governor could not access for political reasons.
The commissioner for information, Michael Inalegwu who briefed journalists yesterday after the State Executive Council (SEC), meeting, said based on political reasons Ortom was denied the money which was given to all states of the federation to pay salaries, pensions and gratuities.
According to the governor, “After the official handover and Democracy Day, I will still be around for five months to establish atmosphere of cordiality with the incoming administration, before thinking of any other thing
Inalegwu said N42 billion was made to clear all the arrears owed workers and pensioners but unfortunately the governor did everything but could not access the money.
He said N20 billion was meant for rural infrastructure development.
He also disclosed that a medical practitioner, Doctor Etito Obediah Idiriakpo attached with the Federal Medical Centre Makurdi was kidnapped by yet to be identified gunmen in Makurdi.
as he quoted the governor as urging security agencies to ensure the release of Dr Etito unhurt.
He also disclosed that the state government will this Saturday honour one of its illustrious sons, Maj. Gideon Orkar by naming a 9.7-kilometre road after him, for his contributions to the development of the State by also recognising all the prophecies he made which has come to pass as a hero of the State.
Recall that Major Orkar was killed after a failed coup during the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida administration in 1990.
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