Ortom Accuses Alia of Lies, Hypocrisy in Benue Governance
Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of running the state on what he described as a foundation of lies, deceit and hypocrisy, while undermining the rule of law and excluding key stakeholders from governance. Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Ortom criticised the Alia administration for allegedly abandoning democratic principles, witch-hunting political opponents and disregarding court decisions. He cited the seizure of 23 official vehicles allocated to him and members of his former administration, saying the vehicles had been approved by the State Executive Council as used assets after more than four years in service. Ortom said he challenged the seizure in court and won, with the court ordering the return of the vehicles and awarding him ₦5 million in damages, but alleged that the government had yet to comply with the judgment. He also claimed that Alia directed traditional rulers not to receive him during a recent visit to his community to discuss his wife’s senatorial ambition. Ortom further accused the administration of failing to hold inclusive stakeholders’ meetings and alleged that local government autonomy exists largely on paper, with council chairmen unable to independently execute projects or properly account for funds.
On security, Ortom said President Bola Tinubu directed Alia, following the Yelewata massacre, to convene former governors, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to discuss lasting solutions, but alleged that the meeting had not been held. He said he had met Alia before his inauguration, provided him with notes and offered his support, but claimed the governor had since stopped taking his calls. Ortom also attributed growing opposition to the administration to what he described as public disillusionment, saying residents were beginning to support alternative political figures. He maintained that Benue had not benefited sufficiently from increased federal allocations following the removal of the fuel subsidy, alleging that development remained concentrated in Makurdi while the 23 local government areas had seen limited visible impact. Despite his criticism of Alia, Ortom declared support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 and said he remained aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. He added that he would support preferred candidates for governor and the National and State Assemblies, without naming them, stressing that democracy requires accountability, inclusiveness and regular engagement with the people.
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