Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Tuesday launched a fresh attack on his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, describing him as a “hypocrite” and vowing to expose what he alleged were acts of mismanagement and wrongdoing under the current administration.
Ortom made the remarks during an interactive session with journalists at his residence in the Judges Quarters area along Gboko Road, Makurdi.
The former governor was reacting to the report of a state probe panel which accused his administration of failing to account for about N139.8 billion during his eight years in office.
He rejected the allegations and accused the Alia administration of carrying out what he described as a politically motivated campaign against him.
“As from today, I am going to expose this government for hypocrisy, outright looting of state resources, injustices against the people and the ceding of our land to foreigners,” Ortom said.
He added that several allegations had been made against him and argued that remaining silent would amount to accepting guilt.
According to him, “After three years, I concluded that if I remain silent, it will amount to admittance, so I need to defend myself and let the world know that what Alia is doing is pure persecution.”
Ortom also challenged Governor Alia to a public debate, proposing that both leaders present their records and compare achievements based on the resources available to their administrations.
The former governor further reflected on his past political disagreements with his former ally and current Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Recalling his earlier declaration after his 2019 re-election that he had “retired Akume politically,” Ortom admitted he regretted the comment.
He said the statement was made out of arrogance and that he later realised that only God determines people’s destinies.
Ortom disclosed that he had since reconciled with Akume and described him as his political leader, noting that both were now working together despite belonging to different political parties in what he called a strategic partnership for the advancement of Benue State.
He argued that Nigeria’s present challenges require leaders to place national and state interests above partisan considerations.
Reacting to Ortom’s comments, Governor Alia dismissed the allegations and maintained that his administration inherited significant financial liabilities from the previous government.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, the governor denied claims of political persecution and defended the decision to probe the former administration.
“Handover notes are meant to be studied. Where gaps and irregularities are discovered, legitimate authorities must be engaged to investigate those issues,” Tersoo said.
He noted that probes of previous administrations were not unusual, pointing out that Ortom had also instituted a commission of inquiry into the administration of his predecessor, Senator Gabriel Suswam.
“Ortom needs to explain why he considered it appropriate to probe his predecessor but believes he should not be investigated,” he added.
The Alia administration also alleged that the state continues to grapple with financial obligations and legal encumbrances inherited from the previous government.
According to the governor’s spokesman, the administration faces multiple garnishee orders running into billions of naira due to what he described as poor handling of state affairs.
He further dismissed Ortom’s criticisms, accusing the former administration of relying heavily on propaganda.
The exchange marks another chapter in the prolonged political disagreement between both leaders, who have repeatedly traded accusations over governance, performance and management of state resources in Benue State.
