By Sar Terver
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has suspended his Special Adviser on Documentation, Research and Planning, Dr Mkor Aondona.
The Governor’s aide was sanctioned over allegations of sextortion, blackmail, and ethical misconduct.
The development has sparked public scrutiny over the appointee’s controversial past.
His suspension, was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, following Dr. Mkor’s recent arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Makurdi.
Governor Alia’s decision was premised on what the statement described as his administration’s zero tolerance for indiscipline, criminal conduct, and abuse of office.
“The Governor’s decision is in line with his unwavering commitment to uphold integrity, discipline, and accountability in public service,” the statement reads, “Any official of his administration found wanting in matters of criminality or ethical misconduct will face the full weight of the law.”
The embattled former aide’s ordeal began after a petition dated June 13 was submitted to the Governor by Ukan Ukurugh, a Makurdi-based human and gender rights advocate.
The petition accused Mkor of sexually exploiting young girls and leveraging his public office for private blackmail operations.
The allegations quickly gained traction on social media, where videos allegedly showing Mkor in compromising situation and speaking in police custody went viral.
But he was briefly released and reportedly hired a private law firm to sue his accuser for defamation, his subsequent re-arrest by the EFCC last week intensified public interest in the matter.
While the specific charges against Mkor remain under investigation, Governor Alia has made it clear that his administration will not protect any official who violates public trust.
“Public office is a call to serve with honour, transparency, and responsibility. Anyone who deviates from this path will have no place in my government,” the statement emphasized.
The suspended aide is expected to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies as investigations progress.
Meanwhile, the incident has reignited debate over the judgment behind Mkor’s initial appointment.
Critics have pointed to his expulsion from the Benue State University, now Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, following allegations of sexual misconduct brought by female students.
But Mkor challenged his dismissal in court, he never publicly cleared his name before being appointed by Governor Alia as they court upheld his sack.
Observers say the current scandal raises fresh concerns about background checks and ethical standards in the state’s appointment process.
The statement reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens, particularly women and vulnerable populations, and pledged continued cooperation with relevant authorities to ensure justice is served.
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