Alia, Ortom bicker over Benue funds, bad governance
Former Benue Governor Challenges Successor to Debate on Governance
By Peter Duru
MAKURDI — Samuel Ortom, the former governor of Benue State, has called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to participate in a public debate regarding the management of state resources. Ortom accused Alia’s administration of poor governance and financial mismanagement, asserting that the current government is making unfounded allegations to undermine his legacy.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Makurdi, Ortom refuted claims from a state government panel that his administration failed to account for approximately N139 billion. He labeled these allegations as false and politically motivated.
Furthermore, Ortom disputed assertions that he left behind debts exceeding N300 billion, characterizing the figures being circulated as misleading. “I challenge the governor to a debate. Let him come forward, and we can discuss these matters openly, supported by facts and figures,” Ortom said.
During his tenure, Ortom claimed that Benue State received about N817 billion. He contrasted this with the more than N1.3 trillion that has entered the state during the first three years of the Alia administration, questioning how these funds have been utilized. “While other states are commissioning projects and addressing salary arrears, this government has only managed to commission 10.5 kilometers of roads in three years,” he said.
Ortom criticized Alia for failing to engage with key stakeholders since taking office. “He has not convened a single stakeholders’ meeting. True leadership involves listening to the people,” he added.
Additionally, Ortom addressed the role of clergy in politics, asserting that religious leaders should maintain their focus on spiritual guidance rather than engage in partisan politics. “Priests should remain within their vocation, allowing politicians to handle their responsibilities,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his past comments regarding Senator George Akume, Ortom expressed regret for declaring he had politically retired the former governor after the 2019 election. “God reminded me that such statements were arrogant. I regret it because power comes from God, not from me,” he acknowledged, noting that he and Akume are now collaborating for the betterment of Benue State.
In response, Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, stated that the governor was not pursuing a vendetta against Ortom. “Governor Alia is not targeting Mr. Ortom. Handover notes are meant for review, and if gaps are identified, it is appropriate to invite relevant authorities to clarify those areas,” Kula explained.
Kula also mentioned that Ortom had been invited multiple times to appear before a commission of inquiry but opted to send legal representatives instead, while some of his former officials did testify. He emphasized the significant challenges faced by Alia’s administration, which inherited unpaid salaries, pensions, and a substantial debt load.
“No person with a conscience could overlook the situation left behind — seven months of unpaid salaries for state workers, 11 months for local government workers, and over 76 months for pensions and gratuities,” Kula said. He also contested comparisons between the two administrations, citing changes in economic conditions as a factor complicating project execution.
Moreover, Kula mentioned ongoing garnishee orders totaling billions of naira, attributing this issue to decisions made by Ortom’s prior administration.
