Benue Government Rejects Ortom’s Debate Challenge, Defends Ongoing Probe

By Margaret Abah

The Benue State Government has dismissed former Governor Samuel Ortom’s call for a public debate with Governor Hyacinth Alia, describing the challenge as an attempt to divert attention from ongoing investigations into the affairs of the previous administration.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, the government said Governor Alia remains focused on governance and service delivery rather than engaging in what it described as political distractions and media-driven controversies.

According to the statement, a review of the handover notes left by the Ortom administration revealed significant financial discrepancies and administrative concerns, prompting the involvement of relevant authorities to investigate the issues.

The government noted that it was ironic for the former governor to oppose scrutiny of his tenure, given that he had previously established a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the administration of his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam.

It also rejected allegations that the ongoing probe was unfair, insisting that Ortom, former members of his administration and media aides had been invited on several occasions and given opportunities to appear before the commission and present their positions.

Highlighting the challenges inherited by the current administration, the government said it assumed office amid substantial financial obligations, including seven months of unpaid salaries for civil servants, 11 months of salary arrears owed to local government workers and teachers, more than 76 months of unpaid pensions and gratuities, as well as significant debt liabilities.

The statement further accused the previous administration of prioritising propaganda over effective governance and criticised Ortom’s recent comments regarding state finances.

Responding to claims about ₦1.3 trillion in government spending, the administration argued that factors such as inflation, exchange rate fluctuations and rising construction costs must be considered when comparing expenditures across different periods.

The government also disclosed that it is currently settling billions of naira in garnishee orders, which it attributed to decisions made during the previous administration.

Defending Governor Alia’s record in office, the statement highlighted several projects undertaken by the administration, including the revitalisation of the Benue Fruit Juice Company, the establishment of a Fashion Hub, the commencement of production at the Food Basket Brewery, the completion of major interchanges in Gboko and Makurdi, and ongoing erosion control projects in the state capital.

The government maintained that Governor Alia would not be drawn into a public debate with his predecessor, insisting that the administration’s achievements, policies and ongoing development projects remain the most appropriate response to criticism.

It added that the government remains committed to addressing inherited challenges while pursuing sustainable development across the state.