The Benue State House of Assembly has launched an investigation into the increasing number of garnishee orders and writs of mandamus allegedly restricting access to funds in the accounts of the state government and local government councils.
The Assembly constituted a five-member ad hoc committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the court orders and determine their implications for the state’s finances.
The decision followed a motion by the Majority Leader, Hon. Peter Bemdoo Ipusu, during Thursday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga.
Ipusu raised concerns over what he described as the growing use of legal processes to attach government funds, warning that the development could affect the government’s ability to finance approved programmes and meet its obligations to residents.
The lawmakers also expressed concern over allegations that some government officials could be working with contractors and other individuals to secure court orders against government accounts.
The Assembly said such allegations, if proven, could expose public funds to abuse and undermine the effective administration of the state.
The lawmakers noted that Benue State and its local government councils depend on statutory allocations, Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds, Value Added Tax (VAT), internally generated revenue, grants and other legitimate sources to finance their activities.
They further observed that the state and local governments engage contractors, government agencies and corporate organisations for the execution of projects and provision of services, which could sometimes result in financial claims and legal disputes.
The committee is expected to investigate the circumstances behind the garnishee orders, examine outstanding judgment debts involving the state and local governments, and establish whether any irregularities occurred in the process.
The five-member committee has been given two weeks to submit its report to the House for further consideration.
The resolution was contained in a statement issued by Zaape Upaa, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker.
