Court Halts Gov Alia's Probe into Former Governor Ortom's Administration

 

In a recent ruling, the Benue State High Court has prohibited the Benue State Government from investigating the administration of former Governor Chief Samuel Ortom. This decision follows the state's establishment of a commission of inquiry to examine the funds (income and expenditure) of the Benue State Government during Ortom's tenure from May 29, 2015, to May 28, 2023.

 

The court's order suspends the panel's activities until a motion filed by Ortom is heard and resolved. Justice T. T. Asua issued the order, responding to a motion ex-parte that requested the court's permission to prevent the Benue State income and expenditure commission of inquiry from proceeding with its investigation based on the terms outlined in the Benue State of Nigeria Gazette No. 17, Vol. 49 of February 27, 2024.

 

Chief Ortom's legal representative, Oba Maduabuchi, SAN, argued that the Auditor General, as empowered by the 1999 Constitution (as amended), had already conducted a thorough investigation, audit, and certification of the state's finances. The Auditor General's findings were submitted to and acted upon by the Benue State House of Assembly.

 

Maduabuchi highlighted that the issues listed in the commission's terms of reference had been previously investigated and documented by the Auditor General, with the reports published in various Benue State Gazettes. He contended that the Governor of Benue State does not have the authority to establish the commission, and the commission itself lacks the jurisdiction to re-investigate these matters. He described the governor's actions as an abuse of office and a vendetta.

 

After considering these arguments, Justice Asua granted the motion, recognizing that Ortom's application demonstrated sufficient interest to justify the court's intervention. The judge scheduled a hearing for the motion on notice within 14 days and instructed the commission of inquiry to cease all activities related to the investigation until the motion is resolved.

 

This development puts a temporary hold on the inquiry into Ortom's administration, pending further judicial review.