PDP Queries Benue SUBEB: N19.18 Billion Unspent Education Funds

• The Benue State PDP has queried the state government over N19.18 billion in unspent education intervention funds allocated to SUBEB.
• The Universal Basic Education Commission identified Benue as having the highest amount of unutilized education funds nationally.
• The opposition criticized Governor Hyacinth Alia's administration for failing to access these funds despite the urgent need to improve public school infrastructure.
• The PDP demanded a full accounting of the funds, including project details, reasons for non-utilization, and proof of counterpart funding.
• The party called for transparency, urging the government to publish a comprehensive breakdown of all UBEC funds received since the Alia administration began.

Money appropriated for the education of Benue children must be put to work to ensure that Benue children have access to quality education.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has voiced significant concern regarding the substantial sum of N19.18 billion in unutilized education intervention funds allocated to the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). This query follows a recent report by The PUNCH, which disclosed that the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) identified Benue State as holding the largest amount of unspent education intervention funds nationwide.

The opposition party has specifically criticized the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia for its apparent failure to access these critical funds. This situation is particularly alarming given the widely acknowledged deplorable condition of public school infrastructure and learning environments across Benue State, which are in urgent need of improvement.

In a statement released on Sunday, Bright Antyo, the state Publicity Secretary for the PDP, characterized the current development as a clear indictment of the government. The party asserted that the administration has consistently demonstrated an alarming disconnect between its public pronouncements and the actual realities confronting ordinary residents of the state.

The statement highlighted the

The PDP has issued several specific demands to the state government. These include a comprehensive explanation for the various tranches of UBEC intervention funds released to it and the reasons behind their non-utilization within the appropriate period. Furthermore, the party insists on the disclosure of specific projects approved for these funds, along with an update on their implementation progress.

The opposition also seeks clarification on whether the state government has provided the required counterpart funding and fulfilled all other necessary conditions for accessing the intervention. They have explicitly questioned the whereabouts of the N19.18 billion and the measures in place to ensure every naira is accounted for and directed towards its intended educational purpose. The PDP urged the state government to publish a detailed breakdown of all UBEC funds received since the inception of the Alia administration, encompassing counterpart contributions, approved projects, awarded contracts, payments made, and any outstanding balances.

The PDP emphasized that public funds are not mere "political trophies" to be displayed in government accounts but are resources entrusted to the administration for the direct benefit of the populace. The party underscored the principle that money appropriated for the education of Benue children must be put to work to ensure that Benue children have access to quality education.

This development highlights potential compliance exposures for government officials in Benue State regarding the management and utilization of public intervention funds. Non-utilization of allocated funds can lead to accountability issues and potential legal challenges under public procurement and anti-corruption laws, making the official response and any subsequent investigations crucial for public finance accountability in Benue.

This development highlights potential compliance exposures for government officials in Benue State regarding the management and utilization of public intervention funds. Lawyers advising state agencies or involved in public finance litigation should monitor the official response and any subsequent investigations, as non-utilization of allocated funds can lead to accountability issues and potential legal challenges under public procurement and anti-corruption laws.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH