Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) yesterday said that it has expended the N200 million donated by Rivers State Governor, Nyeson Wike to cater for the IDPs in the state.
The Nation reports the Executive Secretary of the agency, Emmanuel Shior stating in a statement issued by his media aide, Moses Nongov to respond to the APC in the state.
The APC had accused SEMA of embezzling the N200 million donated to the displaced persons in the state.
The agency said that the All Progressives Congress, APC was only responding to the ban on political activities at Internally Displaced Persons’, IDP, camps by SEMA.
“It is, therefore, pertinent to point out that the ban, triggered by the APC, became necessary following its staging of a political rally in one of the IDP camps at Daudu which culminated in the harassment and intimidation of some of the already traumatised victims taking refuge there.
“But as an agency of government that is charged with the responsibility of catering for the welfare of those affected by natural and man-made disasters irrespective of political, ethnic, religious and other affiliations, we wish to make clarifications on the false issues raised.
The N200 million donated by Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike, to cater for the IDPs has been judiciously utilized for the purpose it was meant. Mr Shior and no one embezzled any kobo.
“The money in question has been used in the procurement of food and non-food relief materials meant for their upkeep.”
On the allegation that Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo made a cash donation to SEMA, Nongov said that neither the VP and president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki did not make any monetary donation.
