The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of deliberately targeting his predecessor, Chief Samuel Ortom, to divert public attention from growing scrutiny over the state’s financial management and a contentious ₦100 billion loan recently approved for his government.
In a statement issued by Chief Ortom’s Media Adviser, Mr. Terver Akase, the PDP described Governor Alia’s constant verbal attacks on the former governor as “unprovoked, baseless, and a sign of leadership under pressure.” The party alleged that the governor is attempting to use personal attacks to deflect legitimate questions about transparency, accountability, and the true state of Benue’s finances.
According to Akase, rather than responding to public concerns about the loan and explaining how the state’s massive federal allocations are being utilized, Governor Alia has chosen to “vilify Ortom at every opportunity,” a tactic the PDP said has become characteristic of his administration.
The statement criticized the governor’s inability to clear salary arrears, pensions, and gratuities despite what it called “a historic rise” in federal allocations to states. It noted that while other state governments have achieved visible progress, Benue’s development has stagnated. The party also recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during a visit to the state in June 2025, confirmed that states now receive significantly increased revenues and should therefore have little justification for taking on new debts.
The PDP further alleged that Governor Alia’s government has been awarding multi-billion-naira contracts without due process or budgetary approval. Among the projects cited were the ₦68.3 billion rehabilitation of the 13-kilometre Wurukum Roundabout–Air Force Base road in Makurdi and a ₦73 billion road project reportedly leading to the governor’s hometown in Vandeikya Local Government Area. Both projects, the statement claimed, lack transparency.
Mr. Akase also faulted the administration’s debt declarations, noting inconsistencies between the government’s stated debt servicing figure of ₦7.4 billion per month and its overall debt profile. He accused the Alia government of “spreading propaganda instead of providing facts.”
The former governor’s aide maintained that Ortom left behind detailed handover notes and audited financial records, which he challenged the current administration to make public if it believes otherwise. He also demanded an account of outstanding funds due to the state when Ortom exited office, including ₦41 billion in bailout funds and a ₦20 billion Central Bank facility.
“Governor Alia should stop using Samuel Ortom as a smokescreen. The real question remains: why secure another ₦100 billion loan when allocations have increased over 500% since May 2023?” Akase asked.
He concluded by urging the governor to focus on governance and stop what he described as “unnecessary political distractions.”
“Chief Ortom has moved on with dignity as a statesman,” Akase said. “It’s time for Governor Alia to do the same and deliver on the promises he made to the people of Benue State.”