The Benue State Government has dismissed a public debate challenge reportedly issued by former Governor Samuel Ortom, describing it as an attempt to divert attention from accountability issues and insisting that Governor Hyacinth Alia remains focused on governance rather than political theatrics.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, the government said Governor Alia was committed to delivering development and had no interest in engaging in what it termed “media trials or personal vendettas.”
The statement maintained that the current administration uncovered “glaring lapses and monumental financial discrepancies” after reviewing handover notes left by the Ortom administration, necessitating the involvement of relevant authorities to investigate the issues.
According to the government, Ortom had previously established a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the administration of former Governor Gabriel Suswam and should therefore not oppose a similar exercise concerning his own tenure.
The government further stated that Ortom and several of his former appointees, including media aides, were invited and given opportunities to appear before the commission despite attempts to halt the process through the courts.
The Alia administration accused the former governor of leaving behind significant financial challenges, including seven months of unpaid salaries for state workers, 11 months of salary arrears owed to local government workers and teachers, more than 76 months of unpaid pensions and gratuities, as well as debts with what it described as questionable records.
It also faulted Ortom’s claims regarding ₦1.3 trillion, arguing that comparisons of expenditures across administrations should take into account changing economic realities such as inflation, fuel prices, exchange rates and construction costs.
According to the statement, the current administration is paying billions of naira in garnishee orders, which it attributed to what it described as poor management and disregard for due process under the previous administration.
The government said Governor Alia’s achievements were evident in projects and initiatives undertaken since assuming office. These, it said, include 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 erosion control projects within the Makurdi metropolis.
The statement added that while the former governor remained focused on political rhetoric, Governor Alia was concentrating on addressing inherited challenges and building a more prosperous Benue State.
About the Author
