Governor Yahaya Bello

Governor Yayah Bello of Kogi State on Wednesday initiated a probe of the tenure two of his predecessors with the set up a judicial panel of inquiry to probe failed contracts awarded in the state from 2003 to 2016.

Governor Ibrahim Idris was governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2012 while Idris Wada governed the state until early this year when he handed over to Bello after he failed to secure a second term in office.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja,  Mr Kingsley Fanwo, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor said the decision to set up a panel to probe the contracts  was taken during the state executive council meeting.

According to him, the probe is aimed at ensuring that the state is not defrauded through failed contracts.

“ The council also approved the School Farm Scheme Initiative to boost food production and impress the importance of agriculture on pupils and students,’’ he added.

Fanwo also said that council approved the harmonisation of taxes, levies, rates, fees and charges collectable by ministries, departments and agencies to help boost the internally generated revenue of the state.

He said the harmonization would go a long way to curb multiple taxation and enthrone transparency and accountability in the system.