Ortom uncovers 160 fictitious names linked to an individual on pay voucher

BENUE State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has disclosed that the ongoing verification of local council staff revealed that one individual (name withheld) included 160 fictitious names on a payment voucher and was collecting salaries for these names.

Ortom, who made the disclosure at the 2015 Praise Night held at the Open Air Theatre of the Aminu Isah Kontagora Complex yesterday, said his insistence on the screening exercise at the third tier was justified.

He stressed that anyone involved in sharp practices would be handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution, intimating that the other persons involved in fraud at the ICT Centre of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs have been uncovered and handed over to the police for prosecution.

“We are committed to doing the right thing. I have told appointees who took the oath of office before me that they must sit up and be prepared to serve the state selflessly,” he said.

While assuring the people that he would not shortchange them and would not allow anyone to do so, the governor further solicited cooperation from the church for ethical reorientation of the people so that they could do what was right even as he pledged to collaborate with religious organisations in the education, health and agriculture sectors.

He said he introduced austerity measures to enable him cope with the challenges of the current economic downturn and urged officials of his administration to support this initiative.

The governor disclosed that he has reduced some of his entitlements, trips and other avoidable expenses.

He urged people of the state to return to agriculture and also intensify involvement in micro, small and medium scale enterprises as well as commercial and investment activities to boost the economy of the state.

Preaching on the occasion, President of the Full Gospel Revival Crusade in Nigeria, Reverend Thomas Igyah, urged Christians to live worthy lives so that people would see their good works and glorify God.

Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Iorhemen Hwande, advised Christians to always pray for the leaders to lead aright.