From: Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
An employment racketeering has hit the Benue State Universal Basic Education, (SUBEB) as a yet to be identified individual has been extorting money from people seeking teaching job.
A top government official who spoke to our correspondent on phone on ground of anonymity said a certain person who told him that he is an aide to Governor Samuel Ortom asked him to get names of 10 persons from his area to be recruited as teachers, informing him that they are engaging same number in all the local government areas.
“Unknown to me, some of job seekers paid between 10,000 and 15,000 to the person’s account.
“When I got the information, I stopped others from paying money into the account and went ahead to travel to SUBEB office in Makurdi to report the matter.
“I urged the Board to investigate the matter critically because I suspect that the man may be working in connivance with a staff of the Board.
Reacting to the ugly development, the Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Comrade Joseph Utse debunked allegation that the board has commenced recruitment of teachers even as disowned the person engaged in the dubious act.
He said though the State government has planned to recruit more teachers in the State, modalities are still underway.
“This is a case of someone for political reason, who wants to tarnish the image of the Board. I will like for that person to be arrested. I will dig into the root of the act. Somebody was going about in Gboko and he was caught.
“This is meant to destroy the image of the Governor and government. I have held meeting with my staff and signed a form of secrecy. If any of them is found wanting, he will be made to face the law. I will still investigate my board and if anyone is found guilty, he/she will be sacked. We must get permission from the Governor before we commence recruitment.
Speaking on the issue on behalf of Governor Samuel Ortom, his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Terver Akase said his boss is unaware of this nefarious act, intimating that the recruitment of teachers have not even commenced.
Hear him, “the recruitment is going to be done transparently and no one will be asked to pay any money. The Governor has not mandated or delegated anyone to collect money for any recruitment. If there is anyone involved in such act, a thorough investigation will be made and if found guilty, such a person will be sacked immediately.The Governor is not aware that his aide is involved and such a person has no mandate if it is true.
