Immediate former governor of Benue State, Dr Gabriel Suswan, along 51 others indicted for misappropriation of N107billion by Justice Kpojime Judicial Commission of Inquiry have been barred from holding public office henceforth.

This was contained in the white paper on the report submitted to the state governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, yesterday in Makurdi and it was also ordered that all the indicted persons should face prosecution for their roles in misapplication of public funds.

The special adviser to the governor on media Mr Tahav Argezua in the press statement issued and signed also said that the state executive member has ordered the Special Adviser on rural development, Mr Tsenongo Abancha to resign immediately.

The press statement said that the affected adviser was among those indicted for their roles in the misappropriation of N500 million Bank of Industry micro credit fund.

The white paper directed Mr Abancha and others to jointly and severally refund N19.5 million.

According to the statement, the white paper also prescribed the prosecution of former Governor Gabriel Suswan and others for various roles and barred them from holding public office.

The white paper, which was presented to Governor Ortom at yesterday’s session by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Michael Gusa, gave the state government the nod to recover over N107 billion from 52 key players in the immediate past administration.

The offences for which the accused persons are to be prosecuted include padding and inflation of contracts, embezzlement, misappropriation, misapplication, expenditure without approval and approval above limit.

The white paper stipulated outright dismissal or compulsory retirement of those still in the service of Benue State found to have participated in irregularities.

Accepting the report, Governor Ortom pledged to ensure the looted funds would be channelled into the development of the state.

He expressed appreciation to members of the commission and those who drafted the white paper for what he described as their painstaking work and dedicated service to the people of the state.