Benue Political Rift: Ortom fault Alia Over State Finances

The political feud in Benue State deepened yesterday as former Governor Samuel Ortom openly challenged his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, to a public debate on the management of state finances.

Ortom dismissed allegations that his administration failed to account for N139 billion and left debts exceeding N300 billion, describing the claims as false and politically driven. He insisted that Benue received N817 billion during his eight years in office and maintained that records were clear.

He accused Governor Alia of diverting attention from his own failures. “Within three years, over N1.3 trillion has come into Benue State. What has been done with it? Other states are clearing arrears and commissioning projects, but here only 10.5 kilometres of roads have been built,” Ortom said.

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Beyond finances, Ortom faulted Alia’s leadership style, claiming the governor had failed to convene stakeholder meetings or foster unity. He also criticised clerics who mix priesthood with politics, arguing that spiritual duties should remain separate from partisan battles.

Reflecting on past political tensions, Ortom admitted regret over his 2019 remark that he had “retired” Senator George Akume. He acknowledged Akume as his political leader and said they now work together for Benue’s interest.

Governor Alia’s camp swiftly responded. His Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, denied any vendetta, stressing that the probe into Ortom’s administration was necessary to clarify lapses in handover records. He revealed that Ortom had been invited to appear before the commission of inquiry but often sent lawyers instead.

Kula argued that Alia inherited a state weighed down by unpaid salaries, pensions, and debts. He listed seven months of salary arrears for state workers, 11 months for local government staff, and over six years of unpaid pensions. He added that garnishee orders running into billions of naira further complicated the situation.

He also dismissed Ortom’s comparisons between the two administrations, noting that inflation and rising construction costs had reshaped economic realities nationwide.

The clash between Ortom and Alia underscores the widening divide in Benue politics, with both camps trading accusations over debts, projects, and governance. As Ortom pushes for a public debate, the controversy continues to dominate discourse in the state.

This rewrite sharpens the narrative by focusing on the political confrontation, financial figures, and governance challenges, while stripping away vague language. It presents the dispute as a battle for accountability and credibility in Benue State.