EFCC Freezes Benue Government’s Accounts In Three Banks

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen the bank accounts of the Benue State government domiciled in three banks.

EFCC Freezes Benue Govt Accounts In Three Banks

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen the bank accounts of the Benue State government domiciled in three banks.

Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Mr Terver Akase, confi… https://t.co/L7elm46our

— Victor Olawuyi (@Victnii) August 8, 2018

Naija News learnt that Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Mr Terver Akase, made this known in an interview earlier today and condemned the action by the EFCC, saying Governor Samuel Ortom would speak on the matter today in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

Why we won’t be able to continue payment of salaries, pensions – Ortom https://t.co/QvXEkoD1gi

— Dr Usha Anenga (@DrAnenga) August 8, 2018

Naija News also understands freezing of the accounts by the anti-graft agency was a result of investigations which indicated alleged abuse of Benue State’s security funds. There were concerns that if the accounts remain frozen, the state government might find it difficult to meet its financial obligations, especially the payment of salaries to workers in the state.

However, the state government described the action of the EFCC as part of alleged plots to frustrate its efforts after Governor Ortom left the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“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? “EFCC should not allow itself to be used as an attack dog unleashed against perceived political opponents’” Mr Akase said.

“Let the Federal Government 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.

The governor had defected from the ruling party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on July 25, after some youths prevented him from attending a reconciliatory meeting convened by the APC national leadership.