Ortom Accuses Alia of Diverting Attention from Benue Finances

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has accused his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, of trying to divert public attention from questions about the state’s finances and a recently approved ₦100 billion loan by repeatedly attacking him. In a statement issued by Ortom’s media adviser, Terver Akase, the governor’s comments were described as “baseless and diversionary,” intended to evade scrutiny of the government’s financial dealings.

Akase argued that, instead of addressing concerns raised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding the loan approval, the Alia administration has resorted to personal attacks on Ortom. The statement highlighted alleged shortcomings in transparency, citing reports of contract awards without due process or budgetary provisions. Specific examples included a ₦68.3 billion road project and a ₦73 billion project leading to the governor’s hometown, both presented as questionable expenditures.

The adviser also questioned the government’s claims about Benue’s debt profile, calling them contradictory. He noted that the administration’s assertion of spending ₦7.4 billion monthly on debt servicing does not align with its reported debt figures. Furthermore, the statement demanded clarification on whether pending federal approvals—such as a ₦41 billion bailout balance and a ₦20 billion Central Bank of Nigeria facility—had been received and how those funds were utilized.

Akase alleged that Governor Alia has mismanaged local government funds, pointing out that despite record federal allocations, none of the 23 councils has completed 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 the ₦41 billion bailout balance, the ₦20 billion CBN facility, and expected refunds from subsidy and SURE‑P deductions. The situation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in governance. As the Alia administration continues to face questions over its financial dealings, the people of Benue State expect their leaders to prioritize good governance and accountability rather than engage in personal attacks.