N200m Scam Uncovered At Benue State Local Govt.Pensions Board.

There are indications that the Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam, have ordered a probe into the accounts and transactions of the Benue State Local Government Pensions Commission over an alleged N200 million scam.
The probe may have been instituted following the discovery that funds of the commission amounting to N200 million were missing during the tenure of Andy Uwouku as Permanent Secretary of the commission.

Uwouku who retired from the position last January to enable him contest the governorship of the state however declined to comment on the issue when contacted, pointing out that he was not in a position to disclose the financial dealings of the commission.

Even though a monthly allocation of N50 million was made to the board on a monthly basis to handle pension issues; when asked to clarify, he kept mum.

Our findings further revealed that the sum may have been deposited in an account with a bank, instead of the statutory account of the Pensions Commission that is domiciled with Keystone Bank.
But, sources at the board said following an investigation conducted by the new board, it was discovered that the said sum were missing from the coffers of the commission.

All efforts to get Andy Uwuoku to clear his name of the allegations proved abortive as he observed that he would not comment on the issue, insisting that he would have to speak to the new board before making a statement on the issue.
He however said that it was a deliberate attempt to tarnish his image in view of his ambition to be the next governor of the state.

Culled From Daily Independent .