A shocking case of forgery has come to light in Benue State, with the Honourable Commissioner of Women Affairs, Mrs. Anne Benjamin Onyegili Itodo, at the center of the scandal. According to allegations, Mrs. Itodo submitted a fake SSCE certificate from Government Girls Secondary School, Kotorkoshi, Zamfara State, to secure admission into Kaduna Polytechnic and Fidel Polytechnic.
Investigations have revealed that the certificate, bearing exam number 23417/072, is indeed fake. The correct centre number is 40102, and the candidate with the number 072 is actually Maijama’a Rahab, not Itodo Onyegili Anna. The school has confirmed that Mrs. Itodo never attended their institution and that the result she presented was not issued by them.
Further allegations suggest that Mrs. Itodo used forged certificates to secure appointments into the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Abuja. A petition to the Nigeria Police Force by Temple of Justice Chambers claims that discrepancies were found in the certificates Mrs. Itodo presented, prompting a discreet background check that revealed she never attended the institutions she claimed to have graduated from.
When confronted, Mrs. Itodo allegedly boasted that she was above the law, claiming that not even the Nigerian police or any law enforcement agency could take action against her. Despite this, the police have requested that she appear for questioning, but she has declined. The Force Headquarters has also requested that the Secretary to the State Government release Mrs. Itodo for questioning, but this request has been ignored.
The question on everyone’s mind is: Why did the state government hire someone with such a questionable background, and why has she refused to honour police invitations to aid investigations? Does serving in the cabinet grant her immunity from corrupt practices?
It’s worth noting that Mrs. Itodo has been actively involved in promoting women’s empowerment and peace initiatives in Benue State. However, these allegations raise serious concerns about her integrity and fitness for public office.
As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: the people of Benue State deserve transparency and accountability from their leaders. The state government must take immediate action to address these allegations and ensure that those in positions of power are held to the highest standards of integrity.
The police must also be commended for their efforts in investigating this matter, despite the challenges they have faced. It is imperative that they are allowed to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, without interference or obstruction from the state government or any other quarters.
Ultimately, the outcome of this investigation will have far-reaching implications for the people of Benue State and the country as a whole. It will serve as a test of the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
