The Benue State House of Assembly has said it has not granted fresh approval to Governor Samuel Ortom, to obtain a N40 billion loan.
The assembly’s spokesperson and member representing Ukum State Constituency, Paul Biam made the clarification to journalists in Makurdi on Friday.
Mr. Biam said the approval was given over five months ago by the former Speaker, Terkimbi Ikyange.
The lawmaker was reacting to strong criticism that the Titus Uba-led assembly approved a fresh loan to the governor barely a few months in office.
“The house has not given fresh approval for another borrowing of 40 billion bond. What happened is that the previous leadership headed by Terkimbi Ikyange in collaboration with members granted a request of the governor. It is not a new development,” he explained.
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“The governor was only trying to review what happened. It is not that we are granting fresh permission.
“The approval was given five months back. So the governor was only reviewing activities on how he wants to carry out and execute this in case the loan is given to the government.
“And so, it is not the leadership of Uba, it is the leadership of former speaker, Terkimbi Ikyange in collaboration with members of the Assembly,” Biam said.
Mr. Biam applauded the ruling of a Makurdi High Court setting aside the interim order restraining state lawmakers from carrying out legislative activities at the assembly complex.
The court had in July 2018, stopped the two factions of the Benue Assembly from using the assembly premises for legislative businesses.
However, the order was set aside by the Chief Judge of Benue, Justice Aondoaver Kaka’an last week.
Mr. Biam said the opening of the complex would enable members to carry out their official duties without hindrance.
