Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has come forward to clarify reports that he was arrested by officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The reports, which appeared on social media on Monday, claim that the former governor was detained in Makurdi. In a statement issued by his media assistant Terver Akase, Mr. Ortom dismissed the reports as false and malicious. The statement added that the former governor had not received any invitation or any other form of communication from the EFCC regarding the allegations of financial irregularities.
The statement from Mr. Ortom’s media aide reads in part: “We wish to state categorically that such claims are not only false but also malicious. The former Benue State Governor has not been invited by the EFCC or any other law enforcement agency on any allegations of financial mismanagement.” The statement went on to say that the former governor had nothing to hide and was willing to work with any institution or person who wanted to shed light on his time in office.
Mr. Ortom served as the Governor of Benue State from 2015 to 2019, when he was succeeded by the current Governor, Samuel Ortom. During his time in office, he was known for his efforts to improve infrastructure development and accelerate the agricultural revolution in the state. The former governor’s press aide advised the public to ignore false reports and warned against spreading rumors and unsubstantiated claims.
Reports of arrests and allegations of corruption are not uncommon in Nigeria, particularly among high-ranking officials and public figures. The EFCC, which is responsible for investigating and prosecuting financial crimes, has been at the forefront of government efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria. However, critics have accused the agency of targeting political opponents and carrying out politically motivated arrests. The agency has denied these claims, insisting that its activities are guided by its mandate to rid Nigeria of economic and financial crime.
Finally, the allegations of the arrest of Samuel Ortom by the EFCC are false. While the former governor has faced several allegations of corruption in the past, it is essential to remember that these are merely allegations until proven in a court of law. It is incumbent on all Nigerians to practice responsible consumption and information sharing, particularly when it comes to public figures. By doing so, we can help combat the spread of fake news and misinformation and ensure that our society remains informed and accountable.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn