Lawmakers begin refund of N317m 'shady' loan to EFCC

dimeji akinloye

August 22, 2016 10:47 PM

The loan was said to have been disbursed to the lawmakers in a questionable manner.

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom

Benue State Governor,

Speaking while receiving the youths of Turan in Kwande Local Government, Ortom said the legislators are expected to refund N317 million to the EFCC.

The governor said that the process fell short of best practices required in such financial transactions.

Ortom explained that out of the number, 12 legislators are from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) while 10 are from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He expressed regrets that due process was jettisoned, which led to the lodgments of cash into the accounts of the legislators for the purchase of the cars.

"After the Executive Council approved the contract for the procurement of Prado Jeeps for the assembly members, only eight were procured," he said.

He said the contractor blamed his inability to purchase the remaining 22 vehicles on the high cost of the dollar.

"Instead of the contractor to get back to the government, he decided to meet the members directly, who opted for cash.

"The EFCC after studying the contract document ordered the 22 members, who collected cash to refund the money to the commission as due process was not followed," Ortom added.

ALSO READ: Ortom backs EFCC probe of Benue lawmakers over N750m car scam

The EFCC has over the past one month, played host to Benue legislators, including its leadership, in their role in the loan disbursement saga.

Ortom also assured that his former amnesty boss, Terwase Akwaza, who was fleeing from arrest over his alleged role in the killing of his security aide will be arrested and brought to book.

He said more than 60 of his gang members have been arrested for various crimes in the state.

dimeji akinloye