An aide of Governor Hyacinth Aliasaid dismissed the allegation of a missing N20 billion in the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Benue State as baseless. Dr. Dennis Akura, the Special Adviser overseeing the bureau, condemned the accusation, labeling it as mischievous, callous, and ill-motivated.
In a statement, Akura addressed the claims made by the “Global Integrity Crusade Network” (GICN), asserting that the attempt to mislead the public with false information was unsuccessful. He clarified, “Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, a very disciplined leader whose standpoint is prudent management of resources, did not direct the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Denis Akura, to monitor the diversion of over N20 billion federal allocation aggregated to the local governments.”
Akura highlighted that he was not in charge of the Bureau between June 2023 and October 2, 2023, undermining GICN’s allegations against him during that period. He emphasized his commitment to the administrative framework aimed at restructuring and revamping local government administration in Benue State.
Additionally, Akura clarified the role of the Bureau, stating, “In Benue State, the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs no longer controls the federal allocation or any funds of the local government areas.” He explained that local governments now have quasi-financial autonomy, with federal allocations going directly to their respective accounts. The Bureau’s role, as mandated by Governor Alia, is to supervise, monitor, and coordinate the affairs of the 23 local government areas through its Directorate of Monitoring and Inspection.
