Ortom has obtained over N60bn loan in one year – Benue Lawmaker, Kyenge

     

The suspended member of the Benue State House of Assembly, Kester Kyenge, has disclosed that the state government, under the leadership of governor Samuel Ortom, obtained no fewer than N60bn loan in one year.
The lawmaker, who has vowed to challenge his suspension in court, called on relevant agencies of government to look into the matter of misappropriation of bailout funds in the state.
Kyenge, representing Logo State Constituency, told newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday that he was being victimised for challenging some ills in the state.


The lawmaker was suspended on Wednesday for allegedly causing an uproar in the chambers and calling for the resignation of the Speaker, Terkimbi Ikyange.
He said: “I have approached legal experts and within the next 24 hours I should be able to take a stand.
“The entire process that took place on July 21 was faulty and illegal and should not hold. The court should be able to address the legitimacy or otherwise of the five months suspension.”
Kyenge said before any member could be suspended, the Committee on Ethics and Privileges would investigate the matter and if the member was found guilty, such person had the option of apologising.

 

He said: “On this day, it wasn’t done so. The speaker just threw the matter to vote. There was a voice vote and during the voice vote, those who were against my suspension outnumbered the others.

“Now, the speaker said that by his hearing, it was difficult to know. Now he said it had to be raising of hands, which meant that it now became a party affair to whip everybody into line.
“I represent a constituency. It would be preposterous to assume that for five months, from now till the end of this calendar year, Logo will not be represented.”
Kyenge claimed that he was being persecuted for questioning the utilisation of funds which the state government received from the Federal Government.
He said: “I am profiled for daring to question the level of poverty and hunger in the land. I am profiled for daring to question the maladministration of the bailout funds. We have received loans in the state totalling almost N60 billion in one year approved by the Assembly.
“That is why I tell you that we have been convicted by the court of public opinion. As far as members of the public are concerned, we are conspirators in this sabotage.
“So I feel that truth is on trial and not me and I would be damned staying on the side of my constituents than conspiring with a few of my colleagues to rob my constituents of their commonwealth.
“This is my stand about it and I am ready to seek redress to the highest levels of the land,” he said.