By: Ogaga Moses
The Benue State Executive Council has suspended the Chairman and Executive Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for alleged misconduct.
The decision, presided over by Governor, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, was taken at the State Executive Council meeting.
Announcing the resolution of the State government on Monday, September 21, 2026, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Chief Solomon Iorpev, said the affected officials are Alhaji Abubakar Adamu, Chairman, and Alhaji Ahmadu Alhassan, Executive Secretary.
Accordingly, the two officials are to proceed on a three-month suspension with immediate effect.
The Commissioner said the action followed petitions received against the Board leadership alleging misuse of Hajj slots and mismanagement of funds. He added that a separate petition against the Executive Secretary also bordered on alleged irregularities in the distribution of government palliatives.
He noted that if established, the allegations would constitute serious misconduct and a breach of the principles of accountability, transparency and probity in public service.
Iorpev stressed that the suspension is an administrative measure to allow for an unhindered and thorough investigation, and should not be construed as a guilty verdict against the officials.
To avoid a vacuum, the Executive Council has approved the appointment of Hon. Ahmed Tijani Adamu Esq. as Acting Chairman and Mr. Adamu Salihu Babi as Acting Executive Secretary respectively.
The suspended officials have been directed to hand over all government property and documents in their custody to the acting officers without delay.
The state government reaffirmed the Alia administration's commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources, especially those affecting the welfare of intending pilgrims from the state.(The Pavilion)
