Dr. Sam Ode, the Deputy Governor of Benue State, has dismissed the allegations of a missing N20 billion from the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.
The allegations were made against the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, and Dr. Ode has described them as baseless and unfounded.
Dr. Ode clarified that he experienced a similar situation when he was an Adviser at the Bureau during the administration of the then-Governor Gabriel Suswam.
Allegations were made against him, claiming that N46 billion was missing. However, he received a clean bill of health after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) carried out a discreet investigation into the matter.
Dr. Ode emphasized that the Joint Account is a transit account. Monies that come to that account transit to the benefit of all the 23 LGAs, and there is no basis for the allegations. No local government has reported missing funds or stolen money.
He further stated that the finances of the local governments are under the authority and purview of the Governor of a state through the House of Assembly. Therefore, the National Assembly needs to be empowered to investigate the matter and interrogate the Special Adviser and other staff of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs.
Dr. Ode concluded that he believes the allegations are a figment of the imagination of those making them and that the whole world will see that it was a hoax. He expressed his confidence that the matter would be resolved amicably and that the people of Benue State would continue to receive the best possible service from their government.