Benue assets probe: Panel to issue summons to compel submission of documents

The Benue State Commission of Inquiry into sale/lease of government assets has said it will issue summons to compel agencies which have refused to submit relevant documents to do so.

This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Secretary of the Commission, John Edigbo.

The Commission started public hearings following the receipt of memoranda and submissions from the public as well as MDAs.

According to Edigbo, the Commission observed with dismay the failure of some MDAs to submit relevant documents after they were summoned.

He named the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, the Office of the Accountant General, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change as those that have refused to comply with the order of the Commission of Inquiry.

Other culprits include the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the 23 Local Government Councils, as well as many others who were duly served to furnish the Commission with their submissions as requested.

“The Commission frowns and expresses its disappointment at the non-compliance of these MDAs and LGCs.

“As a result, the Commission has decided to extend the deadline for submissions to 22nd July 2024, to allow these Offices a grace period to provide the required information.

“Failure to comply with the extended deadline will result in the issuance of summons to compel the attendance and submission of relevant documents as we remain committed to conducting a thorough and fair investigation to ensure that the public interest is protected and that the process of selling, leasing, or managing government assets is conducted with integrity and transparency,” Edigbo said.