Alia lambasts Ortom over alleged mismanagement of Benue State

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has criticised former Governor Samuel Ortom over what he described as years of financial mismanagement and administrative failures, dismissing Ortom’s recent challenge to a public debate as an attempt to divert attention from accountability issues.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, the Alia administration accused Ortom of resorting to “theatrical antics” instead of addressing concerns raised about his eight-year tenure.

The government said a review of Ortom’s handover notes revealed what it termed “glaring lapses and monumental financial discrepancies,” which prompted investigations by relevant authorities.

According to the statement, Ortom’s opposition to ongoing probes into his administration contrasts with his decision to establish a Commission of Inquiry into the administration of former Governor Gabriel Suswam while he was in office.

“If he was comfortable probing the past, why is he uncomfortable with his own record being examined?” the statement queried.

The Alia administration further alleged that Ortom left behind significant financial obligations, including seven months of unpaid salaries for state workers, eleven months of salary arrears for local government employees and teachers, and more than 76 months of unpaid pensions and gratuities.

The statement also faulted Ortom’s criticism of the current administration’s spending, particularly his claims regarding the management of state resources. It argued that comparisons between expenditures under both administrations should account for inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and rising construction costs.

The government maintained that it is currently settling billions of naira in garnishee orders and liabilities inherited from the previous administration, describing them as consequences of poor governance and disregard for due process during Ortom’s tenure.