The Benue State Government has attributed the freezing of its account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a political witch-hunt.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Terver Akase, “Yes, it is true that accounts of the Benue State Government have been frozen by EFCC. It is part of the political witch-hunt against Governor Samuel Ortom.
“The action of EFCC is already having a negative impact on the running of government in Benue State. It is a move that will affect salaries, pensions and other sundry payments”
Mr Akase questioned why the EFCC didn’t investigate the governor while he was still a member of the ruling 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.
“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.
“Benue has suffered heavy attacks by Fulani herdsmen since the beginning of the year. Within the period, the State Government has spent a lot to legitimately support security agencies to protect the people of the state. Governor Ortom has not diverted funds. He runs a transparent administration.
“We welcome the investigation, but as I said earlier, it should start from the Presidency and go across the 36 states. Benue should not be singled out for victimization, intimidation and harassment as the Federal Government with its agencies is currently doing.” the statement added.
The EFCC on Wednesday froze the bank accounts of the Benue State government domiciled in three banks.
Channels Television gathered that the freezing of the accounts by the anti-graft agency was a result of investigations which indicated alleged abuse of Benue State’s security funds.
