Ortom: I’m not afraid of EFCC

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, says he is not afraid of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after leaving office on May 29, 2023.

Ortom stressed that he is willing to submit himself to the EFCC if summoned, saying he has nothing to hide.

Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, had disclosed that the EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, sent invitations to all outgoing governors and commissioners in a bid to commence an investigation for alleged corruption and abuse perpetrated by them while in office.

Speaking at the valedictory session for members of the Benue State Executive Council and other top government officials at the Government House in Makurdi, the state capital on Friday, May 26, Governor Ortom enjoined his appointees to be prepared to face the anti-graft agency if invited for questioning.

He noted that he is ready to follow his appointees if invited by the EFCC, adding that he has no skeleton in his cupboard.

The governor said: “Anytime you are invited by EFCC, don’t be afraid to go. As for me, I am not a coward to run away from EFCC.

“If they come for me, I will follow them. I don’t have any investment in Europe all I have are in this state.

“If anyone accuses me of committing any crime let the person come and show me how it happened because I have nothing to fear and I have no skeleton in my cupboard.”

Ortom stated that he would not dissolve his cabinet, urging the state commissioners to stay put on their jobs until the day of handover.

“By noon of May 29 when the new government takes over everyone will formally vacate their positions. So everyone should stay put till then,” he added.

Governor Ortom, however, thanked members of the State Executive Council for contributing to the successes recorded by his administration.

The Star