From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Transition Committee of Benue State Governor-elect has decried the deliberate delay in submission of report by outgoing administration of Governor Samuel Ortom.
Chairman of Governor-elect Transition Committee Mr. Mike Iordye expressed this worry in a press statement made available to Peoples’ Daily on Tuesday.
Mr. Iordye who is a one time Head of Service said at a joint meeting with the outgoing administration’s team on the 27th April, 2023, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Prof. Anthony Ijohor informed his committee of the inability to get the reports ready but that he will arrange for MDAs to brief them in one week’s time on his return from his trip abroad.
“This lackadaisical attention to a serious matter like this calls for concern, as this information is necessary to enable our smooth takeoff on the 29th May, 2023.
“We therefore, urgently demand the release of the following from the outgoing administration:
“Comprehensive Handover Notes covering the period of the outgoing administration,2015 – 2023 for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Debt Profile and the state of finances of the State.
Organize an inspection tour of all ongoing projects.
Any ongoing negotiations that are not yet frozen as contract.
Updated Employee List for State & Local Governments and payroll for the month of November 2022.
Comprehensive list of IDPs and their respective camps.
Pension Payroll for the month of February 2020 for the State pensioners and that of the local governments.
Any other vital information that may be of use to the incoming administration
Recall that the committee was expected to complete its assignment within three (3) weeks, which means the report should have been ready by 15th April, 2023.
Reacting to the claims by the Governor-elect, Chairman of the State Transition Committee Prof. Anthony Ijohor stated unequivocally that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not provide for a parallel government in any state.
Prof. Ijohor who is the Secretary to the State Government, maintained that Governor Samuel Ortom remains the Governor of Benue State till May 29, 2023, and he is expected to handover to the Governor-elect and not a transition committee, pointing out that the demand made by the team of the Governor-elect is therefore unconstitutional and an aberration.
“The Benue State Transition Committee already held its inaugural meeting where it was agreed that Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies will subsequently brief the Committee.
“We expect the team of the incoming Governor to cooperate with the outgoing administration for a smooth transition of power, instead of going to the press to raise unfounded alarms”,Ijohor said.
