Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has said he would scrutinise the handover notes of his predecessor, Dr Gabriel Suswam, and make full disclosure about the financial status of the state.
He spoke at a thanksgiving service held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Mega Parish, Makurdi to conclude the week-long activities organised for his inauguration as governor and that of his deputy, Engr Benson Abounu.
He said the disclosure became necessary because the figure of N9.3 billion which former Governor Suswam gave as the debt profile of the state was not a complete reflection of the state of affairs, as it did not include arrears of salaries, allowances, retirement benefits, as well as commitments to contractors and other obligations.
The Governor promised to fight corruption and block all conduit pipes in order to conserve funds to develop the state and meet its financial obligations.
He claimed that the powers that were domit in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had opposed his candidature because he was a born again Christian who would not tolerate womanising, drunkenness and wild parties in Government House.
He expressed happiness that his rejection and that of Senator Barnabas Gemade from the PDP drove them into the bosom of Senator George Akume, who he said paved the way for what they had become.
Dignitaries at the service included Senators Akume and Gemade, the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Chief Steve Lawani, other elected representatives at the state and national levels, captains of industry, academics, religious leaders and politicians.
Meanwhile, the governor, on behalf of the Benue State Government, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Railway and Airport Construction Company for the execution of infrastructural projects in the state.
The projects over which the agreement was signed, according to Governor Samuel Ortom’s Special Adviser on Media and ICT, Mr. Tahav Agerzua, include airport, roads, power plants, agriculture and housing.
The ceremony, which took place at the Peoples’ House, Makurdi, yesterday, sawGovernor Samuel Ortom signing on behalf of the Benue State Government, while Xu Dongsheng, the Deputy General Manager, China Railway and Airport Construction Company, signed on behalf of the Chinese firm.
In his remark, Governor Ortom expressed the readiness of his administration to provide an enabling environment for China to partner with the government and people of the state to achieve maximum development, especially in provision of critical infrastructure.
The governor maintained that Benue has great potential and can provide great opportunities for willing investors, adding that the land mass and favourable climate were suitable for all engagements.
Earlier, Dongshen had assured that the projects would be financed and effectively executed with the cooperation of the new government in the state.
In another development, Governor Ortom has directed the immediate restoration of water supply at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area.
Ortom gave the directive during the swearing-in of Batch A Stream Two at Wannune.
The Governor noted that it was difficult for the corps members to operate without water, which he said is a basic necessity.
He promised that his administration would address some other challenges at the camp as soon as the economic situation of the state improves.
The governor, who also read President Muhammadu Buhari’s speech at the occasion, said the President acknowledged the numerous achievements of the NYSC scheme which was established 44 years ago, and particularly commended youth corps members for their role in the conduct and delivery of credible elections in the country.
Also speaking, the Acting Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board in the state, Mr. Vincent Shabu, advised corps members to participate actively in every event so as to leave the camp better prepared to serve the nation.
He said the corps members would find their period of service in the state rewarding