House of Assembly Uncovers Alleged Massive Corruption in Governor’s Administration, Summoned Aide Over Missing Billions
From Our Correspondent
The Benue State House of Assembly has uncovered allegations of large-scale corruption within the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, following an investigation that exposed massive financial irregularities.
This discovery has raised serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the state government under his leadership.
The alleged fraudulent activities involve the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
According to the Assembly, billions of naira in public funds were reportedly misappropriated by top officials appointed by the governor.
Key Findings
In July 2024, the Assembly set up a seven-member Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Majority Leader Hon. Saater Tisser, to investigate allegations of financial misconduct within the Caretaker Committees of the state’s 23 Local Government Councils.
The committee’s findings revealed the following:
1. Mismanagement at SUBEB:
SUBEB Chairperson Grace Adagba was asked to account for N2.07 billion—a balance from funds received between December 2023 and June 2024 for primary school teachers’ salaries.
SUBEB had reportedly received N12.4 billion from the 23 local governments during the same period, raising suspicions about discrepancies in fund allocation and usage.
2. Irregularities at the LG Bureau:
The Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs was directed to refund N1.78 billion allegedly diverted from local government security votes between October 2023 and June 2024.
Local Government officials were reportedly forced to sign blank documents, enabling withdrawals from local government accounts.
3. Suspicious Salary Vouchers:
Many local councils failed to submit salary pay vouchers requested by the committee. Those submitted allegedly contained evidence of multiple and doctored payments.
4. Bureaucratic Siphoning:
The Bureau reportedly mandated the payment of N9 million from monthly local government security votes into designated accounts, amounting to N1.78 billion across 22 councils during the investigation period.
Recurring Allegations Against the Administration
The administration has faced prior accusations of financial misappropriation. In February 2024, civil rights group Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN) petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over claims that N20 billion was misappropriated from local government accounts under the supervision of Dennis Akura, the governor’s adviser on local governments.
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions also summoned Akura over similar allegations, but he reportedly ignored the invitation.
Call for Urgent Action
The findings of the Benue Assembly’s committee have amplified calls for immediate intervention by anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC, to thoroughly investigate the alleged financial irregularities in Governor Alia’s administration. Concerned citizens warn that failure to act could leave the state and its local governments financially incapacitated.
Signed:
Dennis Agema
President, Network for Transparent Governance (NTG)
