Former Benue State governor Samuel Ortom has vowed to expose what he described as “rot and looting” in the administration of his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, escalating tensions between the two leaders.
Speaking at his Makurdi residence on Tuesday, Ortom dismissed allegations from a probe panel that his government failed to account for ₦139.8 billion during his eight-year tenure.
He accused Alia of hypocrisy and persecution, pledging to reveal alleged mismanagement under the current administration.
“As from today, I am going to be exposing this government for its hypocrisy, outright looting of state resources, and evils committed against the people,” Ortom declared, while challenging Alia to a public debate comparing their performances.
Ortom also reflected on past political disputes, admitting regret over his 2019 remark that he had “retired” Senator George Akume. He said he had since reconciled with Akume, stressing the need for unity across party lines to address Nigeria’s challenges.
In response, Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary Kula Tersoo, insisted his government was not targeting Ortom but was compelled to probe lapses in the handover notes. He accused Ortom of leaving behind heavy debts and a legacy of mismanagement.
“Hardly a day passes without garnishee orders raining in the state. These are as a result of shoddy handling of issues and blatant disregard for procedure, which was the hallmark of that infamous administration,” Alia said, describing Ortom’s tenure as “years of the locusts.”
The war of words shows a deepening rift between the two leaders, who have repeatedly clashed over allegations of poor governance and financial mismanagement in Benue State.
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