Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has issued a challenge to his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, inviting him to a public debate regarding the state’s financial management. Ortom rejected claims made by a government-appointed panel, which alleged that N139 billion was missing from his administration and that he left behind over N300 billion in debt. During a press briefing in Makurdi, Ortom argued that these accusations were politically driven attempts to undermine his legacy.
Ortom claimed his administration received N817 billion over eight years, whereas he asserted the current government has handled over N1.3 trillion in just three years. He criticized the Alia administration’s track record, noting that only 10.5 kilometers of roads have been completed in that timeframe. Furthermore, the former governor accused Alia of failing to foster unity by ignoring stakeholders and questioned the involvement of clergy in partisan political activities.
Addressing his past relationship with Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ortom expressed regret for previous inflammatory remarks, acknowledging Akume as his political leader. In response, Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alia, denied that the current administration is seeking vengeance. Kula explained that the government’s inquiry is a standard procedure to address irregularities in the handover notes and the severe financial burden left behind, including months of unpaid salaries and massive debt.
Kula defended the administration’s progress, citing the impact of inflation on project costs and ongoing legal challenges tied to the previous administration’s policies. He noted that Ortom had been invited to appear before the inquiry board but opted to send legal counsel instead.
