The Benue State Government has turned down former Governor Samuel Ortom’s challenge for a public debate with Governor Hyacinth Alia, describing it as a diversionary tactic to shift focus from ongoing investigations into his administration.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the government said Governor Alia remains committed to governance and service delivery rather than engaging in what it called “media trials” and political distractions.
The statement noted that a review of Ortom’s handover notes by the current administration revealed significant financial discrepancies and administrative lapses, which led to the setting up of investigations by relevant authorities.
The government described as ironic the fact that Ortom, who had previously established a Commission of Inquiry to probe his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam, is now opposing scrutiny of his own tenure.
It rejected claims of unfairness in the probe process, insisting that Ortom, his former appointees, and media aides were invited multiple times and given ample opportunities to defend themselves before the commission.
The Alia administration highlighted the dire situation it inherited, including seven months of unpaid salaries for civil servants, 11 months of salary arrears for local government workers and teachers, over 76 months of unpaid pensions and gratuities, and substantial debt obligations.
Responding to Ortom’s comments on government spending, the statement argued that comparisons must account for current economic realities such as inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and rising construction costs. It added that the government is currently settling billions of naira in garnishee orders linked to decisions from the previous administration.
The government listed some of Governor Alia’s achievements, including the revitalisation of the Benue Fruit Juice Company, establishment of a Fashion Hub, commencement of production at the Food Basket Brewery, completion of major interchanges in Gboko and Makurdi, and various erosion control projects in the state capital.
It maintained that Governor Alia will not be drawn into a public debate, stating that his administration’s performance and ongoing projects serve as the best response to criticisms.
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