In a press release, Alakali denied the allegation, stating he’s never been a thief and will never be one. He expressed gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity to serve as SSG, noting he did not solicit for the position.
He stressed that he remained grateful to God and to the Governor for the opportunity given to him to serve Benue State as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) noting that it’s on record that he did not approach the Governor to ask for the position of SSG in his government but believed that the decision to appoint him was based on the recommendations from HE’s trusted Benue people.
“To this I remain indebted to him, as a matter of fact, my appointment was greeted with much excitement in the Benue community, adding huge credibility to the new government”.
Alakali stressed that he served the Governor and Benue State with utmost commitment as SSG from May 30, 2023 to September 9, 2024 (one year, four months) during which he kept to his oath of office and always conscious of being accountable to God, the Benue people and humanity.
Alakali who emphasized that stealing is not in his character categorically disassociated himself and took exception to the content of the video that referenced the former SSG as a perpetual thief that was in the government. “I am not a thief and I did not sell government information”.
“I voluntarily resigned in 2017 as Professor of Food Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture then when I still had 14 years of service . I am currently an Adjunct Professor to the BSU World Bank Centre of Excellence. I am a sound Academic with over 1000 citation (over 1000 researchers globally have cited my works in their research. I received a commendation from Google Scholar in this regards). In the two institutions, both located in Makurdi and others elsewhere, I have taught and supervised several BSc, MSc and PhD students. I also headed a Department, College and Directorates in the universities. I have interacted wildly with many staff and students over the years. In the private sector I have schools and a Publishing company that writes, publishes and markets in Nigeria: Nursery, Primary and Junior Secondary School books in almost all subjects. The first and only company so far that has translated primary school books into the major indigenous languages in Nigeria. These engagements have given me the opportunity to interact widely with people who can attest to my character. I am actually a public figure in my right if you want.
” I have always fulfilled my duties without taking bribes or misappropriating public funds.
It is on record that I refunded N75m to the Benue government coffers as funds that were left after payment of the Navy land compensation. The committee I chaired and supervised the disbursement to land owners when I was SSG. The Governor and EXCO is aware of this. I never collected money from any contractor for discharging my obligations which were a must before any Exco approved contract could be executed”.
“I am surprised by the accusations, especially regarding the Immigration Passport. This matter came up in February 2024, and was handled then. I did not bribe anybody because I was not at fault. I have explained the details about this to the Governor that if there was anything fishy thing about passport, it would have been that my signature was forged by some criminals.
“Let me put it on record that I have never sold any single Benue passport or government information, God bearing me witness. What could I actually have gotten from the sale of passports when I was a whole SSG of Benue State and had many avenues to be corrupt? How much can one get from the sale of passports?
I am actually taken aback to hear the Governor refer to this matter again, and more shocked that he called me a thief that was in their midst and they did not know early enough and in addition making jest of my person and character. This is ridiculous and unacceptable. The accusations from HE are too grave, weighty and in appropriate from a Governor I served respectfully, sacrificially and without a single gain. Even my legitimate entitlements contained in my letter of appointment as SSG were not given to me but I never complained.
“I appeal to the Governor to retract these non-complementary statements made in the public church function against the former SSG who has not been tried in any court of competent jurisdiction and convicted as a thief.
