Benue LG Chairman Under Assembly Probe Over Alleged Financial Misconduct

The Benue State House of Assembly has opened an investigation into the Benue LG chairman following a petition by members of his local council accusing him of financial misconduct and abuse of office.

The petition, signed by 11 councillors, was addressed to Governor Hyacinth Alia and copied to the state legislature, commissioner for finance, and other stakeholders. It outlined serious allegations ranging from the illegal operation of online bank accounts to diversion of public funds and intimidation of lawmakers.

Confirming the development, the House Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, said steps were already being taken. “Yes, we have sent the committee on local government to the place (Otukpo LG) to look into the issues raised,” he stated.

In the document titled “Petition Against the Executive Chairman Otukpo LG, Prince Maxwell Ogiri Over Gross Financial Misconduct”, the councillors alleged that the Benue LG chairman used the governor’s name to extort N1 million each from 13 legislators for an electoral appeal court case. He was also accused of paying Internally Generated Revenue into private accounts via POS machines allegedly owned by his aide.

They further accused him of operating unauthorized bank accounts, illegally printing revenue receipts, and deploying thugs to disrupt legislative proceedings.

“Since our inauguration on October 24, the chairman has consistently ignored financial rules and regulations by spending public funds accruable to the legislative council which contravenes Section 87, subsection 3 of Benue State Local Government Law 2007,” the petition stated.

The lawmakers urged the House of Assembly to suspend the Benue LG chairman and his deputy to ensure an unhindered investigation.

Responding to the accusations, the chairman denied wrongdoing, claiming his actions followed official advice. “I cannot open a new account for the local government. I have no reason not to use any bank — Zenith Bank is aware of that,” he said.

He explained that he consulted the Auditor-General for Local Governments to improve revenue generation and was advised to engage registered, tax-paying consultants.

“So, I allowed different consultants to submit proposals. Thereafter, I convened a town hall meeting where all traditional rulers, market women, heads of security agencies, and members of the revenue department in Otukpo Local Government were invited — and the advice was adopted,” he said.

When the initial consultant failed to meet expectations, a new one working with Alternative Bank introduced a digital wallet. “This was not intentionally done to siphon money,” the chairman said, noting that after further expert advice, Moniepoint was brought in to ensure direct payment into the council’s revenue account.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Michael Oglegba, confirmed receiving the petition and described the claims as “very weighty.”

“There is a process to follow to treat this kind of petition. As commissioner of finance, I will advise the various authorities, including the state House of Assembly, to act swiftly,” he said.

Oglegba added that he only learned of the matter through a third party. “The chairman has not called to tell me what is happening. Coincidentally, I’m also from Otukpo LG,” he noted.

“I have sent this document to the Fiscal Responsibility Commission to act on it. The allegations are weighty and weighty enough for them to take a second look and give advice that could be appropriate,” he added.

The Benue LG chairman maintains his actions were in the best interest of revenue reform. However, with pressure mounting and the petition now in the public domain, state authorities may soon have to determine the next course of action.