According to Vanguard newspaper the former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, failed to stop a probe launched against him by the State's current Governor Samuel Ortom.
According to Vanguard newspaper the former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, failed to stop a probe launched against him by the State's current Governor Samuel Ortom.
The probe is intended to investigate the origins of Benue State’s debt crisis and verify the State government’s assets.
Mr. Suswam served as Governor of Benue State from May 2007 to May 2015. During his tenure the State incurred significant debt, with some observers claiming the State’s debt to be as high as N90 billion.
It will be recalled that SaharaReporters broke news of the former Governor’s arrest last month by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of corruption and misappropriation of funds during his governorship.
According to Vanguard Mr. Suswam argued that the inquiry against him lacked the judicial and constitutional authority to fulfill its mandate. The former governor has derided the investigation as little more than a “witch-hunt” designed to smear his legacy.
Mr. Suswam’s arguments fell on deaf ears, the Chief Judge hearing the case, Justice Adam Onum, ordered the immediate resumption of the investigative probe. Justice Onum, declared that the probe could issue summons to individuals for questioning.
However, Justice Onum ruled that the probe lacked the constitutional authority to arrest any individuals who refused their summons.