Benue PDP frowns at state government's ''FORCEFUL TAKEOVER'' of property acquired by Suswam.

The PDP in Benue State has frowned at the 'forceful takeover' of former Governor Gabriel Suswam's property by the present state government. Daily Trust reports that Suswam was said to have purchased a residential apartment, located at Atom Kpera Lodge, in Makurdi, which has been a subject of controversy since Senator George Akume's administration.

But, the present government, under Governor Ortom, had on assumption of office, set up a committee which reviewed and revoked the sale of some properties, including the residence that Suswam relocated to after his tenure.

The state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Bemgba Iortyom, yesterday said that the action of the government was tantamount to outright disregard for the rule of law as the matter was still pending in court.

"The presiding judge of the High Court, Justice Theresa Igoche, had struck out the matter on 10th February 2016, for lack of jurisdiction of her court to entertain it and Suswam, through his counsel, David Iorhemba Esq, leading Barristers M. T. Nyiutsa and T. A. Shija, had approached the Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi.

"We further understand that on 27th June, 2016, after adopting the motions of both parties, the presiding judge of the appellate court, Justice Oyebisi Oluwaye JCA, had adjourned the matter to 6th October 2016 for the entertainment of written addresses of both parties, and had further directed against a forceful take-over of the property by the government.

The PDP secretary, however, said officials of the Ortom administration, a few days back, had forced their way into the property, which still houses the personal belongings of the former governor.

Reacting, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Michael Gusa, debunked claims that Ortom ordered government officials to take over the Atom Kpera Lodge.

"It was the decision of the State Executive Council, which directed the revocation of the said lodge, after discovering that the allocation was illegal as due process was not followed," he said.