Fresh concerns have emerged from Guma Local Government Area following allegations by Benue social media activist Asom Jerry, who claims Governor Hyacinth Alia is unfairly targeting prominent figures from the area.
According to Asom Jerry, the Executive Chairman of Guma LGA and former ALGON Chairman, Hon. Maurice Orwough, is currently under intense pressure after being asked to personally repay the cost of official vehicles earlier supplied to the 23 local government chairmen in Benue State.
The vehicles, reportedly supplied by a dealer in Abuja, were allegedly used for several months before being returned. The dealer is said to be insisting that the Benue State Government — not Hon. Orwough — should bear the cost since the cars served official duties.
However, Asom Jerry alleges that Governor Alia insists Hon. Orwough must take responsibility for the payment. The situation reportedly stems from a disagreement between Orwough and a close political associate of the governor, Moses Ternege, whom Jerry described as the “de facto Governor of Benue State.” He further claims that Orwough was removed as ALGON Chairman due to this dispute, paving the way for an ally of Ternege to take over the position.
In a troubling development, Hon. Orwough has allegedly put up both his house and hotel for sale in an effort to raise funds to settle the vehicle debt.
Asom Jerry also referenced the case of Hon. Dr. Yanmar Ortese, who, according to him, resigned as an elected member of the Benue State House of Assembly to serve in the state’s Ministry of Health at Governor Alia’s request. Jerry claims the outcome of that move was unfavourable, though he chose not to elaborate.
Both Ortese and Orwough hail from Guma, a region that has suffered repeated attacks by suspected herders in recent years. Jerry questioned why, despite their vulnerability, prominent sons of Guma are allegedly facing political and administrative hardship.
He described the developments as “maltreatment,” calling on Governor Alia to “pity Orwough” and reconsider the actions taken against officials from the area.
The Benue State Government has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.