Mr. Fidelis Mnyim, the Commissioner for Justice and Public Order in Benue State, has revealed that the administration led by Governor Hyacinth Alia inherited a substantial debt of N14 billion in the form of unresolved judgement debts from the previous government.
Mnyim made this disclosure during a courtesy visit by members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Benue Chapter, in Makurdi.
He explained that the former administration, under Samuel Ortom, had accumulated numerous consent judgements, primarily related to unpaid contracts and 34 months of overdue pension payments. These aggrieved parties took legal action against the state government.
Mnyim emphasized that the N14 billion consent judgements could not be appealed because they were the result of agreements by the previous government to pay these debts, and the principle of government continuity applied.
Additionally, the commissioner mentioned that three garnishee orders, which could have affected salary disbursements, had been set aside, and a plan was in place to settle the outstanding obligations gradually.
He urged journalists to collaborate with the government to inform the public about the newly established ministry focused on ‘Public Order.’ Mnyim expressed concern about misinformed reports on social media and called on traditional media to engage in investigative journalism and uphold the truth.
Mnyim further encouraged journalists to defend the truth, as the government would support those who speak honestly.
The Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Mr. Emmanuel Antswen, congratulated the commissioner on his appointment and sought a partnership to ensure accurate and swift reporting of their news stories.
