Nigerian gov challenges FG to account for $1bn security funds from States

Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom has told the Federal Government to give information about the one billion dollars security funds gathered by the 36 states of the federation to combat insecurity in the country.

Governor Ortom made this revelation on Tuesday July 26th, 2022 while speaking to newsmen at Benue Peoples House, Makurdi shortly before the beginning of the State Security Council meeting.

He wondered what the Federal Government has used the money for and why insecurity has continued to rise in the country.

The Governor has compelled the State Deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu who stood for him at a virtual meeting of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF to seek clarifications on the matter.

“What have they done with the one billion dollars the Governors Forum gave on behalf of the local governments for security? That money is huge. What have they done with the money that terrorists will kidnap citizens without any rescue mission?

“It is even more worrisome and unthinkable that terrorists will threaten to kidnap our President. If that happens, that means we have no country again,” Governor Ortom lamented.

According to the Governor, “the primary responsibility of any responsive government is to ensure safety of lives and property,” stressing that the situation whereby innocent Nigerians are left at the mercy of vicious terrorists is unacceptable. “We must not allow this to continue,” Ortom said.

While appreciating the sacrifices of security men in the state, he also identified the challenges security officers in the State face in the discharge of their duties.