EFCC unfreezes Benue State accounts

The Benue State government has said that the state accounts frozen seventy-two hours ago have been unfrozen.
The state government through the Chief Press Secretary to the state government had on Wednesday confirmed the freezing of the state accounts by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

The Benue State Commissioner for Finance Economic and Planning, Mr David Olofu disclosed this to the Tribune Online on Thursday.

Mr Olofu said at the time he was informed of the freezing of the state accounts on Tuesday t no reason was adduced for it.

He said that no one could fathom any good reason that would make an institution of government to take that extreme decision to shut down any other arm of government.

“We woke up on Tuesday morning and received an advisory from our banker’s frozen accounts belonging to the Benue State government. These are specifically are the joint account for LGs, Benue State Government House account and Benue State Government internal affairs account.

“The advisory from the banks did not say specifically reason for the froze and l will be speculating to say l know why the accounts were frozen.

“Yesterday(Wednesday), even l got another advisory from the fidelity bank and UBA that the order to suspend these accounts have been lifted and no reason was given for that”, Olofu explained

He noted that it could have been very disastrous if the accounts were not unfrozen since the state would not have access to funds to meet every necessary obligation that requires money and essentially would shut down the government.

The commissioner commended the leadership of the Nigeria Governors Forum for wading into the matter, called on other Nigerians to rise up against impunity and unlawful act of APC Government.

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The Commissioner, when asked if he had been invited by EFCC over the N22 billion security votes revealed that he had gone to EFCC several times to provide an explanation regarding the alleged abuse of Benue State’s security funds to the tune of N22 billion.

In a related development, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has thanked Nigerians for their solidarity, support and prayers which had enabled the nation as well as Benue State to overcome the recent wave of impunity.

The statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Terver Akase said that the development had deepened democracy which strives on the rule of law and due process.

According to him, ‘the Governor believes that the nationwide condemnation which trailed the Police and DSS siege on the Benue State House of Assembly, as well as the invasion of the National Assembly, will be remembered and appreciated by patriots now and in the future.

“He says the condemnation of EFCC’s freezing of the state’s accounts and general outcry have made the organization to unfreeze the said accounts.

The Governor also thanks the Presidency for intervening to end impunity and the siege on the legislature.”

The governor also appreciated Benue people for their support as well as religious and traditional leaders across the country who have stood by the truth and called for the protection of democracy.

“The Governor thanked the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, civil society organisations and the media for being true defenders of democracy and advocates of justice, fairness and equity.”

The governor vowed that he would not bow to intimidation and harassment aimed at bullying him into silence.