Ortom tells EFCC to probe failed RUGA contracts

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom wants the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to probe the failed contracts awarded for the construction of Ruga settlements in parts of the country.

Governor Ortom made the call today at Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, when he received the new leadership of Mdzough u Tiv led by the President General, retired Comptroller of Prisons, Mr. Iorbee Ihagh.

The Governor stated that though contracts for the establishment of Ruga settlements were hurriedly awarded, the plan was roundly rejected by Nigerians, hence the need to probe what happened to the funds released for the projects.

He also restated his call on the National Assembly to reject the planned National Water Resources Bill which seeks to give the Federal Government through its agencies the power to control of all water sources (surface and underground) as well as river banks.

Governor Ortom said he would personally take legal action if the bill is passed, as according to him, until the Land Use Act which vests land under the control of state Governors is repealed and the Constitution amended, the Federal Government lacks the powers do takeover waterways and natural resources at river banks.

Governor Ortom congratulated the new officials of Mdzough u Tiv and wished its members successful tenure, promising to collaborate with them in developing the state.

Earlier, the President General of Mzough u Tiv, Mr. Ihagh told the Governor that the organisation had reviewed its constitution to pave the way for more meaningful progress in Tiv land.

He pledged the Tiv socio cultural organisation’s unalloyed support to the Ortom administration, citing specific areas of support such as the state’s open grazing law implementation, appealing that MUT be provided with logistics to facilitate its work.

Mr. Ihagh supported Governor Ortom’s call on the National Assembly to reject the Water Resources Bill in the interest of the country.