After 13 months, Ortom fails to stop probe panel from investigating him

By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –

The efforts of the immediate past Governor, Samuel Ortom to stop the probe panel from investigating his Government failed 13 months after the panel was set up by the Governor Hyacinth Alia led government of the state.

A statement by the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Bridget Tikyaa, said it took Ortom and his cohorts 13 months of failed attempts to stop the probe panel through the use of the judiciary.

The statement revealed that a total of eight cases were filed in various courts against Governor Alia and his government within the 13 months but Ortom suffered defeat in all the cases.

According to the statement, the desire of Governor Alia led administration was for Ortom and the major actors of his administration to explain what they did with the resources accrued to their government during their tenure but the move sent panic to Ortom and his people and the thought they would get cover through the judiciary but they got it wrong.

“Governor Alia clearly won all the cases filed by the former Governor and his people to stop the investigation of his government.

“After a year of fruitless efforts and foot dragging, the time was ripe for Ortom and his co- travellers to answer the people of Benue what really happened to their resources during the eight years he held sway as governor.”