Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has received the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Sale and Lease of Government Assets, Companies and Markets in the state. The report was presented to the governor at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, on Monday, by the chairman of the Commission, Justice S. Itodo (retd.). The Commission was established to investigate the management and documentation of government assets accumulated under successive administrations.
The Commission's principal mandate was to reconcile the state's assets, determine those performing effectively and those that were not, and provide a basis for the government to properly harness and manage them going forward. According to Justice Itodo, the assets were spread across various locations, with inadequate records and management affecting their ability to generate returns and add value to the state. The Commission's report covers the various stages of the assignment between 2024 and 2026.
Dr. Sam Ode, Deputy Chairman of the Commission, represented Justice Itodo and received the documents on behalf of the state government. Dr. Ode acknowledged receipt of the Inspection Report, Volume II; Record of Proceedings, Volume I; and the Commission's Report, Volume III. He expressed appreciation to Justice Itodo and members of the Commission for their service, describing the assignment as a patriotic responsibility undertaken in the interest of the state.
Dr. Ode emphasized the importance of records in governance, stressing that government is the custodian of institutional memory and that the actions and inactions of public officials are preserved in official records and may ultimately become subjects of accountability. He therefore urged public and civil servants to discharge their responsibilities diligently and creditably, noting that there is always a time for reckoning.
The Deputy Chairman acknowledged the challenges encountered by the Commission and, on behalf of Governor Alia, apologized for any shortcomings or lapses experienced during the assignment. He assured the Commission that the state government would study the report and work towards producing a White Paper for its full implementation, adding that the report would be transmitted to the Governor, the State Executive Council and other relevant authorities for further action.
The state government will use the report to properly harness and manage its assets, and to ensure that they generate returns and add value to the state. The government will also take steps to address the challenges and shortcomings identified by the Commission. Governor Alia is expected to take action on the report and implement its recommendations.
The Commission's report is expected to have a significant impact on the management of Benue State's assets, and to help the government to make informed decisions about its assets. The report will also help to promote transparency and accountability in the management of state assets.
Key points
- Benue State Governor receives report on sale, lease of government assets
- Commission's report covers 2024-2026 period
- Government to study report, produce White Paper for implementation
