By Jelili Gbadamosi
The Benue State House of Assembly has constituted a five-member ad hoc committee to investigate allegations surrounding the growing number of garnishee orders issued against accounts belonging to the state government and local government councils.
The resolution was adopted during Thursday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga.
The probe followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Peter Bemdoo Ipusu, who expressed concern over what he described as the increasing use of garnishee orders and writs of mandamus against the government.
The lawmakers raised concerns over allegations that some government officials may be collaborating with contractors or other parties to obtain court orders that could place restrictions on government accounts.
They warned that if established, such practices could undermine governance and expose public funds to abuse.
The Assembly noted that the state government finances its programmes and obligations through statutory allocations, Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, revenues, Value Added Tax, VAT, internally generated revenue, grants and other legitimate sources.
It further observed that the state and local governments regularly enter into contracts with individuals, government agencies and corporate organisations for projects and service delivery.
According to the lawmakers, continued restrictions on government accounts through garnishee proceedings could affect the government’s ability to access funds for approved programmes and meet its obligations to citizens.
The ad hoc committee is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the garnishee orders and determine the status of judgment debts involving the state government and local government councils.
The committee has been given two weeks to submit its findings to the House.
The resolution was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Zaape Upaa.
