The Benue State Government has formally rejected former Governor Samuel Ortom’s request for a public debate with current Governor Hyacinth Alia. Officials labeled the invitation a distraction intended to shift focus away from current investigations into the previous administration’s conduct. Tersoo Kula, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, stated on Tuesday that the administration is prioritized on service delivery rather than engaging in media spectacles.
State authorities pointed out that they discovered substantial financial inconsistencies and administrative failures within Ortom’s handover records. These findings led to official investigations. The government highlighted the irony of Ortom’s position, noting that he previously formed his own commission to scrutinize his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam. Officials emphasized that Ortom and his associates were given multiple fair opportunities to defend themselves before the ongoing commission.
The current leadership cited significant financial burdens left by the former administration, including long-term arrears for civil servants, teachers, and pensioners, alongside heavy debt. Furthermore, the government dismissed Ortom’s recent criticisms regarding state expenditures, noting that factors like inflation and existing garnishee orders impact current fiscal realities. Governor Alia’s administration insists that its focus remains on infrastructure projects, such as the Benue Fruit Juice Company and various urban construction efforts, rather than political confrontations.
