Benue: I’ll jail anybody responsible of embezzling public funds – NDC governorship candidate

The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Benue state, Prof. Terhemba Shija, on Wednesday vowed to make sure the prosecution and imprisonment of anybody discovered responsible of embezzling public funds underneath his administration if elected governor in 2027.

Shija acknowledged this throughout an interactive session with journalists in Makurdi, the place he outlined his plans to advertise accountability, strengthen native authorities administration and speed up improvement of the state.

Shija who was Commissioner for Information and in addition served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, pledged to respect the autonomy of the state’s 23 native authorities areas and make sure the full launch of their statutory allocations to allow them to execute improvement initiatives on the grassroots.

On the persistent displacement of residents by insecurity, the NDC candidate promised to evaluate the administration of internally displaced individuals (IDP) camps and create circumstances for displaced individuals to return safely to their communities and rebuild their lives.

He described the continued existence of the IDPs camps within the state as wasteful, alleging that some authorities appointees benefited personally from their continued operation.

Shija referred to as for a brand new improvement agenda for Benue, citing the management legacies of the late Senator J.S. Tarka, and former civilian governor Aper Aku, whom he mentioned pursued clear improvement visions for the state.

He lamented that successive administrations had didn’t maintain some initiatives conceived by earlier leaders, recalling that the Aper Aku administration had made efforts to determine a college of science and know-how, together with sending potential personnel overseas for coaching amongst different life altering initiatives executed for the state.

The governorship candidate mentioned he would revisit deserted improvement plans and harness Benue’s mineral sources to generate income, create employment and stimulate financial progress, citing neighbouring Nasarawa State for instance of the potential advantages of mining.

Describing his proposed administration as a possibility to finish unfinished improvement initiatives, Shija mentioned he was ready to pursue his agenda inside a single four-year time period.

He additionally expressed confidence in his means to defeat the incumbent governor, alleging that former Benue State governors and present Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, influenced the emergence of Governor Hyacinth Alia within the 2023 election.

Shija mentioned his administration would prioritise transparency, accountable administration of public sources and strict motion in opposition to monetary misconduct, insisting that authorities funds should be used for the advantage of the individuals of Benue State and people misappropriated it should face the authorized penalties.