He made the disclosure at the presentation of the book, Footprints… leaving lasting legacies written by Dr James Zasha.
The event took place at the Precious Conference Centre in Makurdi.
The Governor stated that even though the state government has forwarded the commission’s report and white paper to both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, he had also directed independent prosecution of the 52 indicted persons.
He said the process would commence this week.
According to him his administration needed the recovery of the looted funds to enable it clear salary arrears and discharge other financial responsibilities as the current federal allocation to the state as well as the internally generated revenue have not been enough to tackle the challenges.
He described Dr Zasha as an upright man who had earned his respect and that of others through committed public service and integrity and urged other people to emulate his exemplary character.
Governor Ortom stated that one of the ways to leave a lasting legacy behind was through books and commented the author and his wife for their sacrifices of putting together the book which took 24 years to write.
Chairman of the occasion, Justice James Ogebe, a retired Supreme Court judge stated that only righteousness could exalt a nation while sin was a reproach to any people.
The author, Dr Zasha stated that he wrote the book on account of his conviction about God’s existence and his intervention in human affairs which inspired him.
