The Benue state government has raided former governor Samuel Ortom’s automobile shop and confiscated vehicles.
The Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Asset Recovery Committee seized some vehicles during the operation, reportedly by using towing vans to pull out the vehicles after attempts to drive them away failed.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement by the State Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, condemned the action and accused Alia of witch-hunting his predecessor.
It also described the committee’s action as “a shameful showing of naked tyranny and impunity.”
“Earlier today, thugs accompanied by security agents purporting to be on an assets recovery mission, raided a private automobile workshop owned by the former governor’s business concern, Oracle Nig. Ltd., carting away motor vehicles at the premises of the workshop.
“Staff of the workshop have confirmed to PDP that the vehicles, of a yet to be ascertained number, were those brought there for repairs by private owners and are not in any way from any public source.
“PDP notes that this is yet another manifestation of disregard for the rule of law by the Benue State Governor, considering there is a subsisting court order barring his government from tampering with the assets of the former governor, specifically motor vehicles.”
Recall that Alia recently alleged through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, that 29 government vehicles were looted by the former governor.
“The case of the government house is particularly pitiable with vandalised furniture, window blinds, electronics and other household appliances.
“This is besides the carting away of all vehicles including an ambulance and press crew bus attached to the office of the governor. At the last count, 29 vehicles attached to the governor’s office are still no where to be found,” Kula had stated.
