Freezing of Benue accounts an attempt to shut down state – NGF
Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, and governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, has said freezing accounts of Benue State government by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was an attempt to shut down the state.
Governor Yari also described the action of EFCC as unconstitutional and wrong, especially as the state was still battling with security challenges.
Speaking to State House correspondents after meeting Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday, Yari said the Federal Government should not allow security agencies to become lawless.
He said: “The freezing of any account of the state government, whether Benue or anywhere, is unconstitutional and is not right. That is shutting down government. Government must spend, especially Benue that is facing insecurity challenges.
“Well, we don’t know why the EFCC took the action but if, indeed, EFFC froze the account, from my point of view, it is wrong.
“This government will not sit down and oversee unlawful operation from the security agencies. From what happened yesterday (Tuesday, Daura sack), everyone can understand that government is following due process and the laws of Nigeria.
Freezing of accounts taking toll on Benue govt, others—Gov’s aide
The freezing of the state’s accounts has already started taking its tolls on the government and people of the state, according to Chief Press Secretary to Benue State Governor, Mr. Terver Akase, who described EFCC’s action as a witch-hunt against the governor, with the intent to cripple the state.
Akase said: “Yes, it is true that accounts of Benue State government have been frozen by EFCC. It is part of the political witch-hunt against Governor Samuel Ortom. 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.”
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