By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barr. Fidelis Mnyim has revealed that over N14 billion Naira was inherited as consent judgements by the present administration from the immediate past Samuel Ortom-led government.
Mnyim made the disclosure on Tuesday while calling on members of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Benue State Council to always stand on the path of truth, while discharging their constitutional responsibility of information gathering and dissemination.
During the interaction with journalists in his office, the AG explained that the immediate past administration of Samuel Ortom had countless consent judgements at its twilight.
According to the AG, the judgements bordered on several unpaid contracts as well as 34 months unpaid pensions.
“These group of people became so aggressive and filed cases against the State Government. When we came in, we had over N14 billion Naira consent judgements. This consent judgements cannot be appealed because Government agreed to pay them. Government is a continuum,” the AG stated.
He further explained that three (3) garnishee orders which would have affected the payment of salaries have been set aside by the Alia’s government, while others will be paid instalmentally.
“I am aware of the mess, the almighty garnishees which are revolving will soon be a thing of the past.
“Infrastructure in the ministry is in a sorry site. The Governor visited here and saw the termite home and was appalled. We are working to improve the facilities,” Mnyim stressed.
He lamented over the recent circulation of fake news about the administration of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, especially on social media and urged media practitioners to be investigative and uphold the truth at all times in their reportage.
“I urge you to keep defending the truth. As a contracting party, keep the State accountable on its seven pillars, but this should be done in truth.
“Government will stand for journalists if they speak the truth,” he assured.