Ortom orders staff audit at Benue varsity

Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom, has directed that a staff audit be carried out at the state-owned university so that staff strength and actual wage bill could be determined. Th e governor, who spoke with journalists at the Benue Peoples House today, stated that the directive became necessary in order to check fraud and ensure prudence in the management of the lean fi nances of the state. He said the management of the institution has also been directed to use its internally generated revenue to pay earned academic allowances. Ortom stated that the directive was part of the agreement reached between the state government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Benue State University, BSU chapter. He said the screening committee led by his deputy, Engr Benson Abounu, would take the ongoing screening of workers to a logical conclusion adding that the Tertseagh Ikyaabo staff audit committee had earlier discovered massive fraud within the system. Ortom stated that his administration was anchored on the fear of God and reiterated his earlier decision that any member of his cabinet that indulged in sharp practices would be shown the way out. He said those who had information on corrupt government offi cials should blow the whistle rather than resorting to telling lies against his administration.