- The Benue State Government has announced the suspension of the Chairman and Executive Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board over allegations bordering on the allocation of Hajj slots and financial mismanagement.
The suspension of Alhaji Abubakar Adamu, Chairman, and Alhaji Ahmadu Alhassan, Executive Secretary, was approved by the State Executive Council, presided over by Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for an initial period of three months with effect from Monday, September 21.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Solomon Iorpev, the action followed petitions alleging misuse of Hajj slots and mismanagement of funds. The petition against the Executive Secretary also alleged irregularities in the distribution of government palliatives.
The government said the allegations, if established, would constitute serious misconduct and violate the principles of accountability, transparency and probity in public service.
It stressed, however, that the suspension was not a declaration of guilt, but was intended to pave the way for a thorough investigation without interference by the affected officials.
To ensure uninterrupted operations, the Executive Council approved the appointment of Hon. Ahmed Tijani Adamu, Esq., as Acting Chairman and Mr. Adamu Salihu Babi as Acting Executive Secretary of the Board.
The suspended officials have been directed to immediately hand over all government properties in their possession to their respective acting replacements.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, particularly funds and arrangements relating to the welfare of intending Muslim pilgrims from Benue State.
