Suswam loses bid to stop probe

Gabriel Suswam, former governor of Benue state, has lost the bid to stop the probe instituted against him by Samuel Ortom, his successor.

Ortom constituted an investigative panel to determine the actual state of indebtedness of the state and verify government’s assets.

The panel was also directed to make findings of those responsible for lease or allocation of real property belonging to the state government.

But Suswam instituted a suit at the state high court, seeking leave of the court to disband and set aside the inquiry against him.

In his application, Suswam alleged that the commission was set up to witch-hunt, smear his name and destroy his legacy.

He argued that the commission was incapable of exercising judicial powers and lacked constitutional powers to investigate or adjudicate upon the issues submitted to it for inquiry.

He had claimed that his administration was transparent and rendered periodic account of its stewardship to the state throughout his eight years in office.

Arguing that the resources of the state were judiciously used under him, Suswam prayed the court to grant his application by quashing the commission.

But in his ruling on Monday, Adam Onum, the presiding judge, vacated the order on the commission and ordered resumed sitting of the commission with immediate effect.

Onum declared that the commission could issue letters of summon on individuals.

However, he agreed with the applicant that the commission was not vested with the power to issue warrant of arrest on anyone.

It will be recalled that on October 12, Iorhemen Hwande, the state’s chief judge, ordered a stay of proceedings on the commission, following Suswam’s suit.