Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The Makurdi Zonal office of the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has confirmed the receipt of a worded petition against the embattled Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Grace Adaagba.
Recall that the Benue State House of Assembly after a finding that Adaagba stole a whooping N2.1B from the Treasury of the Board recommended that she steps aside so that a full scale probe into the frauds can take place.
Also recall that Nigerian Concord Newspaper had few months ago exposed how Adaagba has been looting the Treasury of the Board by inflating school contracts and illegally deducting teachers salaries.
Immediately Nigerian Concord broke the news, the rogue SUBEB chairman put a call across to the head office of the newspaper where he threatened to send hired assassins to our two reporters in Benue State.
But after the recommendation of the Rt. Hon. Aondona Dajoh-led House of Assembly that she should be suspended, a Benue-born human rights activist, Victor Adugu wrote a worded petition to the EFCC with supporting documents where he appealed to the anti graft agency to invite Dr. Grace Adaagba, investigate and bring her before justice.
In the petition, Adugu who called on the EFCC to investigate an alleged misappropriation of public funds by Mrs Grace Adaagba, noted that there can be no faith in government if highest office holders are excused from scrutiny.
The petition reads: “I am writing with a deep sense of concern to bring your attention to a serious allegation of corruption against Mrs. Grace D. Adabga, who Is currently serving as the Executive Chairman, Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, (SUBEB).
“It is alleged that Mrs Adagba misappropriated a significant amount of public funds, meant for salaries and other public needs. In a Facebook post made by Cephas Dyako, who Is the current chairman standing committee on Education in the Benue House of Assembly, Mrs. Adagba Is alleged to have embezzled over N2, 000,000,000 (Billion Naira) of Public funds.
“The House of Assembly member made this post on the 14th of December, 2024, firmly instructing the SUBEB chairman to answer to the said allegation. I am fully aware of the weight of this allegation and should not rely on a Facebook post to write this petition, but Cephas Oyako Is a representative of Konshisa in the Benue State House of Assembly and I should take his words seriously in relative conceptuality.
“To this end, I believe that this allegation warrants a thorough investigation by your esteemed commission. It is on notice of this commission’s relentless efforts to curb crimes in the state and the public is appreciative of these moves.
“It is in the spirit of this war against crime that I kindly request the commission to take immediate action to investigate this matter and bring the perpetrator to justice. No society in the world is free of crime, but when justice is given to the state without exception, a society becomes less filled with crime.
“We understand that it is a grave crime for anyone to privatize the use of public funds meant for our collective good. We must work towards a system that punishes crime and prevent public representatives from eating-fat on tax payer’s resources.
“It is my humble request that you keep me informed of any development in this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information”