From: Rose Ejembi, Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State of Nigeria has disclosed that a staff audit would soon be carried out at the Benue State University (BSU) to ascertain the actual number of staff and exact wage bill of the institution.
The Governor, who spoke to newsmen, at the Government House, on Tuesday, stated that the moved became necessary because it has been discovered that there were some staff of the state-owned institution who did not have job schedules, but were only drawing salary from the university thus further bloating the wage bill of the state.
While noting that the measure was to check fraud and ensure prudence in the management of the lean finances of the state, Governor Ortom said the management of the institution had also been directed to use its internally generated revenue (IGR) to pay academic allowances.
Governor Ortom stated that the directive was part of the agreement reached between the state government and the institution’s chapter of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The governor assured that the screening committee led by his deputy, Engr. Benson Abounu, would take the ongoing screening of workers to a logical conclusion, adding that the Tertseagh Ikyaabo staff audit committee had earlier discovered massive fraud within the university system.
Governor Ortom also stated that his administration was anchored on the fear of God and reiterated his earlier decision that any member of his cabinet founding indulging in sharp practices would be shown the way out.
He, therefore, urged those who had information on corrupt government officials should blow the whistle rather than resorting to telling lies against his administration.