A senior aide to the Governor of Benue State, Mr. Moses Ternenge, is facing scrutiny over allegations of purchasing two luxury blocks of flats valued at over N200 million in Abuja’s exclusive Three Arms Zone.
The properties, located at Suleiman Barau Crescent, Aso Villa, have raised concerns about the source of funds for the acquisition. The Trustfield Empowerment Initiative, a registered civil society organization, has petitioned Mr. Ternenge, questioning the legitimacy of the funds used for the purchase.
The petition, written by Daniel Edeachi, Esq., of Law Planet Attorneys, on behalf of the Trustfield Empowerment Initiative, as seen by our correspondent alleged that the funds used for the property purchase may have been obtained through abuse of office, misappropriation of public funds, or other illicit means. If substantiated, these allegations would violate the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and may constitute criminal offenses under anti-corruption laws.
The petition, brought under the Freedom of Information Act 2011 and Code of Conduct Act, demands answers to several questions, including Mr. Ternenge’s current designation and annual salary, source of funds for the property purchase, and documentary evidence supporting the transaction.
Failure to provide credible explanations within seven days may lead to a petition to the Code of Conduct Bureau for investigation, formal petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, legal proceedings to compel disclosure, and public disclosure of the matter through a press conference.
When contacted for a response, Mr. Ternenge’s office had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
This developing story raises concerns about transparency and accountability in government offices, highlighting the need for scrutiny and oversight to prevent potential corruption and ensure responsible governance.