Bailout Disbursement | Benue Assembly Summons Finance Commissioner,Special Adviser.

Following series of complaints arising from the disbursement of bailout funds to staff of Local Government in the state, Commissioner of Finance, David Olofu and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Titus Zam were scheduled  to appear before the Benue state House of Assembly today at 10am.

Mr. Olofu and Mr. Zam are to explain to the lawmakers how the disbursement of the bailout funds meant to settle salary arrears of state and local government workers had been done and other issues that trailed the disbursements especially at the third tier of government.

Recall that the Assembly had in August this year, approved the request of Governor Samuel Ortom to obtain a loan of N28.012 billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN ) to upset salary arrears of both local and state government staff.

Speaker of the Assembly, Terkimbi Ikyange handed down resolution of the House after a debate on a motion of Urgent public importance moved by the Majority Leader, Barr. Benjamin Adanyi, who told the House that several complaints had trailed the disbursement of the funds to local government staff.

Adanyi explained further that there had been complaints ranging from shortage of payments, removal of staff names from the PVs leading to out right none payment of some staff, saying as representatives of the people, they have received several reports from their constituents.

the Majority Leader also stressed the need for the Special Adviser and the Finance Commissioner to appear and educate Benue people on how far with the disbursement of the funds.

All those who contributed to the debate including Mr. Nick Eworo, Alh. Audu Sule, Mr. Terhemba Chabo, Mrs. Ngohemba Agaigbe, Mr. Kester Ikyange, Mr. Tor Aye among others told the House that the complaints surrounding the payment of the funds have become alarming, resulting to protests in many instances.

Ruling on the matter, the Speaker, while commending the mover of the motion for taking into consideration the plight of the people, directed that the Commissioner of finance and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs should appear before the House at 10am.

Source ROSE EJEMBI, Makurdi.