Ortom Claims Alia's Governance Built on Lies and Hypocrisy

Samuel Ortom, the former Governor of Benue State, has launched a scathing attack on the current governor, Hyacinth Alia, accusing him of running the state on an elaborate foundation of deceit. During an interview on Arise News, Ortom dissected the troubling political landscape of Benue as the 2027 governorship election looms. "What we have seen in the past three years is a government that is allergic to the rule of law and believes in persecuting its opponents instead of fostering a united front," he remarked, channeling the frustration of many citizens.

His primary grievance centers on the apparent seizure of 23 vehicles that were allocated to him and his administration. Ortom asserts that these vehicles were lawfully approved for use and laments that the current administration confiscated them without warning. "Despite winning a court ruling that ordered their return and awarded me ₦5 million in damages, I have yet to see a single vehicle," Ortom stated, pointing to this as a blatant disregard for legal decisions.

The former governor recounted how even traditional rulers were instructed to shun him during a recent visit to discuss his wife’s senatorial ambitions. "The governor has made it clear that no chief should receive me, nor should I be allowed to speak with them," he claimed, suggesting a troubling trend of exclusion and division under Alia's rule. Ortom criticized the lack of stakeholder meetings that would typically unite various political factions and promote local governance. He asserted that local government autonomy is merely a facade, leaving council chairmen powerless.

Disillusionment with Alia's Promised Healing

In a sharp contrast to Alia's campaign image as a peacemaker, Ortom articulates a growing disillusionment among Benue residents who feel they were misled. "No one in Benue can honestly say they’ve benefited from Alia's promised healing. We were duped, and the gap between his words and actions is glaring," he lamented. Ortom also highlighted that despite a promised increase in federal allocations, real development remains concentrated in the state capital, Makurdi, leaving the other 23 local governments in neglect.

Deteriorating Trust and Growing Opposition

As political tensions escalate, Ortom has noted an increase in opposition voices, particularly from potential candidates like Michael Auduaka of the PDP. The former governor attributes this growth to public dissatisfaction with Alia’s administration, indicating that residents are seeking alternatives. Despite the chaos at the state level, Ortom remains a supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign, reaffirming his commitment to the party while still advocating for change at the local level.

In closing, Ortom stressed that democracy is anchored in accountability and engagement. "When a leader is inaccessible, and the people feel ignored, that’s not democracy; that’s a disaster waiting to happen," he concluded, leaving a notable call for reform in the air as Benue grapples with its political future.