The Benue State Government rejects former Governor Samuel Ortom’s request for a public debate with Governor Hyacinth Alia, saying the challenge is meant to divert attention from investigations into Ortom’s administration. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the state government says Alia is focused on governance and service delivery rather than engaging in what it describes as “media trials” or political distractions.
The administration says a review of Ortom’s handover notes by the current government identified financial discrepancies and administrative lapses, which prompted investigations by relevant authorities. It also argues that Ortom’s stance is inconsistent, noting that Ortom had previously set up a Commission of Inquiry to probe his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam. The government disputes claims that the probe process is unfair, saying Ortom, his former appointees, and media aides were invited multiple times and given opportunities to defend themselves.
The statement further links the need for scrutiny to issues the Alia administration says it inherited, including unpaid salaries and prolonged arrears affecting civil servants, local government workers and teachers, and pensions and gratuities. It adds that comparisons of spending should consider inflation, exchange-rate changes, and rising construction costs.
