Alia To Ortom: I Am Rebuilding Benue, Stop Distracting Me

Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has accused former governor Samuel Ortom of distracting him, stressing that he remained focus on governance and the development of the state.

Governor Alia said his infrastructure and industrial drive will speak for him at the 2027 governorship elections next year.

In a statement issued by Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, while reacting to Ortom’s recent media outings against his successor, the governor said he is busy rebuilding Benue through roads, industries, improved welfare for the workforce, care for senior citizens and billions of naira in investments.

According to the statement, “‎The growing confidence in Benue’s economic prospects is not accidental. Just a few days ago, the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hudson Global Ltd to attract a $5 billion investment aimed at transforming Benue’s economic landscape. This is the direction in which the state is moving”

Kula added, “In contrast, under Ortom, the things that grew were debt, IDP camps, complaints and propaganda elevated to statecraft. The difference is also visible in the everyday lives of the people. The construction of rural and urban roads, consistent payment of salaries and gratuities, and the establishment of the Food Basket Bakery are among the achievements that cannot be hidden by political propaganda”

“These stand in sharp contrast to the last administration, when payment of salaries became a recurring crisis and Benue was branded the IDP capital of Nigeria, with more than 1.5 million of our people displaced and living in camps”
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‎Alia, however, insisted that former governor Ortom is working for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi ahead of 2027, “That record is why former Governor Samuel Ortom should be prepared to answer questions about his own antecedents rather than attempt to rewrite history. His political conduct has also raised questions about his double standards, particularly as he has publicly endorsed the APC presidential candidate while working with the NDC presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi” the statement said.