Benue realises N178bn as revenue, not N350bn

Governor Gabriel Suswam has said his administration has in the last four years earned N178 billion as revenue to Benue State from legitimate sources. The governor maintained that the sum was a far-cry from the N350bn being dished the Benue public by the opposition in the state.
Suswam made the clarification while fielding questions from newsmen in Makurdi, and pointed out that the records of the state’s earning from federal allocations, VAT and taxes were open to public scrutiny.
He explained that on a monthly basis, the state government earned an average of N2bn, adding that of this N1.4bn was dedicated to the payment of state’s monthly wage bill.
According to Gov. Suswam, “What the state earned between 2007 till date cannot be hidden from anybody, everyone can access that information without hindrance, so, there was no need for such deliberate falsehood all to mislead gullible Nigerians.”
He regretted that some politicians had taken to mischief by misinforming the public in a bid to score cheap political points, stressing that he would not be deterred by such antics.
The governor maintained that his administration has in the last four years ensure prudency in the application of resources, adding that his administration would continue to be accountable to the people of the state.
He urged the people to always verify stories people peddle to create disaffection in the state because of the implication of such unguarded remarks on the peaceful co-existence of the people.
“I have nothing to hide, and I will not be deterred in my resolve to provide the people of our state purposeful leadership because that remains my passion and vision”, added Governor Suswam.