By Aare Abiodun Oluwarotimi, Reporting for Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The governor of Benue state, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia has suspended his embattled special adviser on local government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Dennis Akura over allegations ranging from financial recklessness and money laundering
He has been replaced with Mr. Denen Aondoakaa who may be sworn-in next week after a confirmation by the State House of Assembly on the recommendation of the governor.
According to reports from the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the governor decided to take the “difficult “step to clear his name from the numerous allegations of massive frauds against the suspended adviser.
Part of Akura’s sins was that he reportedly used government funds to buy properties in Abuja and Makurdi and the governor who was informed about the development launched an investigation into the allegations that were earlier made against him by the anti corruption groups.
The suspension, according to findings is to allow the governor conduct an investigation into the fraud allegations which were made against Akura by two different anti corruption groups which earlier sent some petitions to the EFCC.
It was also gathered that the petitions were withdrawn by the petitioners when they were transfered to the Makurdi office of the EFCC where Dennis Akura ensured that they (petitioners) were taken to court and detained illegally.
However, Governor Alia after finding out that there were some truths in the Petitions and also that Dr. Akura had been diverting public funds decided to suspend him for an elaborate investigation.
Some officials of state government who spoke with Nigerian Concord Newspaper under the condition of anonymity lauded Governor Alia for taking the “bold” step which they said would go a long way to prove that his administration is not corrupt.
They urged him to also look into the allegations of fraud that had been made against the Chairman of SUBEB, Grace Adagba, suspend her and begin an investigation to be sure if she truly committed the frauds or not.
They opined that keeping her in the office while her investigation is on Will sabotage the probe.
More details shortly.