Alleged looting of Benue: EFCC summons Suswam, grills ex-commissioner for eight hours
Suswam
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday invited a former Governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, in connection with the ongoing investigation of his tenure.
The commission also yesterday grilled a former Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Omadachi Oklobia, for eight hours.
As at 5.24 pm yesterday, Oklobia was battling to meet bail terms, but it was unclear if he was able to fulfill the stringent conditions.
Investigation revealed that Suswam is under probe based on the report of the Benue State’s 16-member Transition Committee, led by its Chairman, Mr. Mike Iordye.
The committee had uncovered over N90 billion debts and the disappearance of N6.507 billion meant for SURE-P,
A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have started looking into allegations against Suswam and some of his former commissioners. These allegations border on mismanagement of public funds, diversion of moneys meant for projects, outright embezzlement of funds and abuse of financial procedures.
“The former governor is expected to appear before our operatives for grilling on Monday. A formal letter of invitation has been sent to him. He will respond to isolated allegations on misuse of public funds.”
Responding to a question, the source said the immediate past Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Omadachi Oklobia, was quizzed for eight hours on Friday.
“We invited Oklobia, who served under Mr. Gabriel Suswam, a former Benue State governor, to defend the allegations of diversion of public funds, abuse of office, embezzlement and fraud while he was in office.
“Oklobia arrived at the EFFC office in Abuja at about 10 am, where his statement was obtained under caution based on his complicity in the allegations.
Shortly after Governor Samuel Ortom took over, he said he would probe the administration of Suswam.
He said: “We are going to look at Governor Gabriel Suswam’s administration, though we do not have specific areas where we intend to look at. But I assure you that we are going to stand for the people of Benue State.”
On his part, Suswam recently said he was not afraid of the ongoing probe of his administration by Ortom’s government.
He said the probe may set a bad precedent in the state and no one knows whose turn is next.
Suswam said: “On the issue of the probe going on in Benue State, it is not that one is afraid, but once a precedent is set, it is a double-edge sword. You don’t know whose turn it is tomorrow. You don’t know tomorrow.
“When I became the governor of Benue State, I met some issues on ground but I resolved them amicably. When there are issues, let us talk about them amicably instead of grandstanding.
“This remains my approach to life but to go and do grandstanding. I encourage us in Benue to toe the path of peace.”
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