Despite all efforts made to worm his way into the heart of his successor, Benue State Governor-elect, Dr. Samuel Ortom, yesterday vowed to probe the outgoing administration of Governor Gabriel Suswam.

Ortom made this pledge in Makurdi, the state capital while reacting to the criticisms trailing the recent donation of eight Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs, to himself, his deputy and their spouses.

Speaking through the Deputy Governor-elect, Benson Abounu, the Governor-in-waiting noted that the vehicles would not be put to use until after the May 29 handover date.

According to him, “We collected those vehicles because they were bought from government coffers and because of the kind of stories and rumours we hear concerning government property and vehicles, we did not want anything to happen to the cars and that was why we took possession of them.

“Moreover, when we take over we will look into the books; we will also find out how much was spent in purchasing those cars among others.

“So, whatever we do will certainly be in tandem with the wishes and aspirations of the people of Benue State who massively voted for change in our state and not the contrary,” he said.

While warning against moves by the Suswam administration to install First Class Chiefs in the state, the Governor-elect noted that “Considering the importance of the traditional institution in our state, it is unacceptable to rush the passage of this law.

“Our state has been literally grounded and the most important objective at the moment should be how to offset salaries and allowances owed workers and stabilise for a smooth take off.

“We learnt he (Suswam) is planning to do this around May 4 and May 6, 2015,” he added.

Ortom equally frowned at the last minute massive recruitment into government ministries, parastatals and agencies as well as indiscriminate promotion, maintaining that while some of the recruitments were fresh, others were being backdated or documented as replacements.

Regarding this, he said, “We want to warn that these recruitments, however documented in addition to the promotions, are in bad faith and cannot stand. 

“Beneficiaries must be aware and civil servants being used to perpetrate this illegality must face dire consequences,” the incoming governor warned.