Gov Alia, Ortom clash over governance in Benue

The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, and his predecessor, Samuel Ortom, on Sunday exchanged trade words over governance in the state.

The governor in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, alleged that Ortom’s tenure was marred by financial mismanagement, unpaid salaries, and abandoned projects.

He said: “The Ortom administration left a legacy of economic stagnation, divisive rhetoric, and unproductive agreements that did little to uplift the people of Benue State.”

He also accused Ortom of plunging the state into debt while failing to provide basic services.

On his part, Ortom in a statement issued by his media aide, Terver Akase, dismissed the allegations as baseless and unnecessary distractions from pressing issues.

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The statement read: “Chief Ortom’s attendance at the thanksgiving should not incite political mudslinging.

“The Alia administration should focus on tackling insecurity, improving community development, and addressing the concerns of the people.”

The former governor also criticized the Alia administration for failing to make meaningful use of the higher federal allocations it has received since taking office.

He charged the governor to prioritize governance over political attacks, pointing to lingering issues such as insecurity and inadequate infrastructure in the state.

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