In the state capital of Makurdi on Tuesday, the Asset Recovery Committee, which was established by Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, searched an auto shop run by the former governor, Samuel Ortom.
The operation resulted in the seizure of some automobiles. According to reports, after failing to drive some of the vehicles away, the committee deployed towing vans to remove them.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue responded by accusing Alia of persecuting his predecessor.
PDP State Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, described the committee’s outing 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 wise 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.”
The governor had through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, said government vehicles numbering 29 were looted by the former governor.
Kula had in a statement posited that, “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.”