OTUKPO LG LEGISLATORS PETITION GOVERNOR OVER ALLEGED FRAUD BY CHAIRMAN
Legislators in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, have petitioned Governor Hyacinth Alia and the State House of Assembly, accusing the council chairman, Prince Maxwell Ogiri, of financial misconduct and abuse of office.
The petition, signed by 11 legislators, cites misappropriation of funds, illegal revenue practices, operating unauthorized accounts, diverting security levies, and ignoring legislative invitations. They also accuse him of blackmailing the governor, using thugs to disrupt council meetings, and denying them their sitting allowances.
The legislators demand his suspension to allow for a thorough investigation and to deter future misconduct.
Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Michael Oglegba, confirmed receipt of the petition and described the allegations as serious. He has forwarded the matter to relevant authorities for action.
In his defense, Ogiri denied all allegations, claiming they were fabricated to resist his reform efforts. He explained that his use of alternative banking methods for revenue collection was advised by the Auditor General and aimed at increasing revenue efficiency, not embezzlement.
