Benue Govt. suspends Muslim pilgrim board chairman, secretary over misconduct

The Benue State Executive Council has approved the three-month suspension of the Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Benue State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board over allegations of misconduct.

The affected officials are Alhaji Abubakar Adamu, Chairman of the Board, and Alhaji Ahmadu Alhassan, Executive Secretary.

Announcing the suspension in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Iorpev, said it takes effect immediately.

According to the statement, the suspension followed petitions alleging misuse of Hajj slot allocations, mismanagement of funds and irregularities in the distribution of government palliatives.

The state government said the allegations, if established, would amount to serious misconduct and a violation of the principles of accountability, transparency and probity in public service.

Iorpev said the suspension was necessary to allow for a thorough investigation and prevent any interference with the process, stressing that it did not amount to a finding of guilt against either official.

To ensure continuity in the administration of the Board, the Executive Council approved the appointment of Ahmed Adamu as Acting Chairman and Adamu Babi as Acting Executive Secretary.

“The suspensions are to allow for a thorough investigation and to ensure there is no interference with the facts of the matter. They do not amount to a finding of guilt against either official,” Iorpev said.

The suspended officials were directed to hand over all government property in their custody to the acting officers with immediate effect.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the proper management of public resources, particularly those related to the welfare of intending pilgrims in the state.