Benue Government lambasts Sen. Abba Moro over allegations on Local Government funds

The Benue State government has strongly criticized Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, for his recent motion in the Senate calling for the suspension of federal funds to local government councils with alleged undemocratic structures in Benue and other regions.

Responding to Moro’s motion in a joint press conference, Mr. Dennise Akura, the Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Mr. Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, accused Moro of spreading false information and unfounded insinuations regarding the state of local government administration in Benue State.

According to the officials, Moro intentionally distorted facts, falsely claiming that democratically elected local government chairmen were unlawfully dissolved, whereas the Benue State House of Assembly, vested with constitutional powers over local government matters, had recommended their suspension due to alleged financial misconduct.

Governor Alia’s administration clarified that the dissolution was not an arbitrary decision but a response to a legitimate investigation by the state assembly, uncovering substantial financial impropriety by the local government executives.

Kula accused Moro of engaging in partisan mischief, highlighting the senator’s previous role as Caretaker Chairman and Sole Administrator of Okpokwu Local Government Council. Kula urged Moro to apologize to the people of Benue State and the State House of Assembly.

Additionally, the Chief Press Secretary called on the Senate to exercise thorough scrutiny of motion papers to prevent similar instances of misinformation and to avoid becoming subjects of public ridicule.