Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has alleged that his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, is attempting to divert public attention from questions surrounding the state’s finances and a recently approved ₦100 billion loan by launching repeated attacks on him.

According to a statement issued by Ortom’s Media Adviser, Terver Akase, the governor’s recent comments are “baseless and diversionary” and aimed at evading scrutiny over the government’s financial dealings. Akase stated that instead of responding to concerns raised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding the loan approval, the Alia administration has resorted to attacking Ortom personally.

The statement highlighted the Alia administration’s alleged lack of transparency in governance, citing reports of contract awards without due process or budgetary provisions. Specifically, it mentioned a ₦68.3 billion road project and another ₦73 billion project allegedly leading to the governor’s hometown as examples of questionable expenditures.

Akase also questioned the government’s claims regarding Benue’s debt profile, describing them as contradictory. He noted that the government’s assertion that it spends ₦7.4 billion monthly on debt servicing is inconsistent with its own reported debt figures.

Furthermore, the statement challenged the current government to explain whether pending federal approvals, including a ₦41 billion bailout balance and a ₦20 billion CBN facility, have been received and how they were utilized. Akase alleged that Governor Alia has mismanaged local government funds, stating that despite record federal allocations, not one of the 23 councils has executed a single development project.

The Alia administration has been accused of maintaining secrecy around state finances and failing to explain how public funds are being managed. Ortom’s administration had secured pending federal approvals, including a ₦41 billion bailout balance, a ₦20 billion CBN facility, and expected refunds from subsidy and SURE-P deductions.

The situation highlights the need for transparency and accountability in governance. As the Alia administration continues to face questions over its financial dealings, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. The people of Benue State expect their leaders to prioritize governance and accountability, rather than engaging in personal attacks.