EFCC victimizing Ortom, says media aide

The Benue state government, has condemned the freezing of the state’s account by the Economic and Financial Crimes commission (EFCC). Terver Akase, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, in a statement said that the governor is being victimized. EFCC had reportedly frozen Benue government’s account, for alleged diversion of N23, 088, 586, 206. Reacting to this, Akase stated that Ortom runs a transparent administration and has not diverted funds. “Benue has suffered heavy attacks by Fulani herdsmen since the beginning of the year. Within the period, the State Government has spent a lot to legitimately support security agencies to protect the people of the state. Governor Ortom has not diverted funds. He runs a transparent administration.” He described the act as a political witch-hunt against Governor Ortom. “Yes, it is true that accounts of the Benue State Government have been frozen by EFCC. It is part of the political witch-hunt against Governor Samuel Ortom.” Akase said. “The action of EFCC is already having negative impact on the running of government in Benue State. It is a move that will affect salaries, pensions and other sundry payments. “The question we are asking is; why did EFCC not investigate the Governor’s security votes when he was still a member of APC? Why start the investigation now? “EFCC should not allow itself to be used as an attack dog unleashed against perceived political opponents. “Let the Federal Government tell us how much it has spent on prosecuting the fight against Boko Haram and how much it spent on the other operations such as Python Dance, Crocodile Smile and Whirl Stroke. “We welcome the investigation, but as I said earlier, it should start from the Presidency and go across the 36 states. Benue should not be singled out for victimization, intimidation and harassment as the Federal Government with its agencies is currently doing.“]]>