Pam Moses

Contrary to reports alleging that over N100million meant for special Committee allowances had been diverted by an Official in Plateau State, Mr. Fabian Ntung, further investigations have revealed that only N53,220,000 was approved with 1/5th of the total sum paid.

Mr. Ntung, the Chairman, Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), had, while serving as Permanent Secretary in the State’s Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Ministry, applied for the funds to “compensate” members of a staff progression and analysis committee for the extended time and scope of their assignment, from six weeks in June 2013, to nearly 26 months in August 2015.

But contrary to the earlier report that each of the 43 members of the committee, was entitled to N4.5million, amounting to over N190million in total, the actual funds requested were confirmed to be N53,220,000 which were approved by Governor Simon Lalong.

The paid 1/5th of the total sum – N10,644,000.00 was found to have been disbursed to the committee members in December 2015 – the funds mistaken for “Christmas package” in the previous report.

Further findings trace delays in the release of the remaining N42,576,000 to administrative bottlenecks in the State Ministry of Finance, despite constant follow-up by concerned authorities.

Viewpoint report that MKB publishers of the earlier alleged report has apologizes for the errors and misrepresentation of facts in its earlier report, regretting any inconveniences caused, particularly to Mr. Ntung.

count | 12

Allegedly Special committee funds diverted by Plateau Official unreleased by Govt – findings