FACT-CHECK: DID THE ACCOUNTANT-GENERAL INVITE DIRECTORS TO DOCTOR FINANCIAL REPORTS IN FAVOUR OF BENUE STATE GOVERNOR?‎

‎By Esther Benjamin Ogbe

Gov. Alia, Theresa Nyitse and other prominent figures during a Church Mass in Benue State.

‎Social media posts, particularly on Facebook claiming that the Accountant-General of Benue state invited Directors to doctor financial reports in favour of the Governor of Benue state.

‎Furthermore, the posts claimed that a meeting was convened by the Accountant General but did not provide documentary proof, official correspondence, or verifiable evidence showing that the purpose of the meeting was to manipulate financial records.

‎No established media organization or anti-corruption agency has formally reported the specific allegation of financial statement alteration.‎

‎CLAIM: ‎Benue state Accountant-General invited Directors to doctor financial reports in favour of the Benue State governor.

‎VERIFICATION: ‎In early 2026, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched an investigation into an alleged diversion of ₦4.6 billion meant for the 23 local government areas in Benue State.

‎‎According to reports by Premium Times, the probe involves: alleged diversion of local government fund, payments made through consultancy arrangements, questions about due process in approving and disbursing consultants. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested and detained Benue State officials and two consultants over the alleged diversion of ₦4.6 billion in local government funds.

‎However, media coverage of the EFCC investigation focuses on alleged fund diversion and procurement irregularities and not on altering financial statements to benefit the governor.

‎Separately, the Benue State Government responded to other financial allegations, including debt-related claims, describing them as false and politically motivated. ‎

‎A review of available information shows no verified report from credible media organizations confirming that the Accountant General invited Directors to manipulate financial reports.

‎No official statement from the EFCC supporting the allegation of record alteration.

‎No publicly available government document or formal petition confirming the specific claim.

‎Media reports about the ₦4.6bn EFCC probe do not mention altering financial records to favour the governor.‎

‎VERDICT: FALSE

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‎This piece is written in collaboration with Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD West Africa) as part of its media fellowship in Benue state.‎

‎#CDDWestAfrica #FightFakeNews ‎#TruthNaPower #VerifyBeforeYouShare

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