Benue State government has alleged that N2bn ecological fund released
by the federal government for the state was diverted in 2013 under the
then governor, Gabriel Suswam.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, Mr. Terver
Akase, who made this revelation on Thursday, said the amount was meant
for drainage channels but was diverted.
He said the development set the stage for the current flood.
Mr. Akase gave the indication to the Federal Radio Corporation of
Nigeria, FRCN, while speaking on the flood that has hit parts of the
state.
He said, “available records as uncovered by the Justice Kpojime
Judicial Commission of Inquiry uncovered that N2 billion ecological fund
was released to the state in December 2013.
“If the money had not been diverted into private pockets but expended
on the purpose it was meant for, the magnitude of the present flooding
would have been averted.”
The Chief Press Secretary stated that Benue State Government got
Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NIMET’s) warning and swung into action
but was incapacitated by the current economic crunch in the country,
noting that opening up of water channels commenced and adequate
sensitization carried out.
While sympathizing with those affected by the flooding, Mr. Akase
said the state government is saddened over the unfortunate development.
He stated, however, that “the fight against flooding is a collective
one that needs the cooperation of all Benue people by avoiding
indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
“We call on the people to also avoid blocking of drainages or building on waterways.”