Alia, Ortom Trade Words Over Alleged Missing N139.8bn Benue Funds From 2015–2023

A fresh political confrontation has erupted in Benue State as Governor Hyacinth Alia and his predecessor, Chief Samuel Ortom, exchanged sharp words over allegations that ₦139.8 billion was unaccounted for between 2015 and 2023.

The dispute follows the submission of a report by the Benue State Income and Expenditure Commission of Inquiry, set up by the Alia administration, which alleged significant discrepancies in the state’s financial records during Ortom’s tenure as governor.

According to the Commission, chaired by retired Justice Jibril Idrisu, Benue State generated about ₦826.5 billion in revenue between 2015 and 2023, while total expenditure stood at approximately ₦683.4 billion, raising questions over the alleged gap of ₦139.8 billion.

Governor Alia, reacting to the findings, insisted that accountability is a fundamental requirement of governance and dismissed criticisms of the probe as politically motivated.

“Accountability is not a witch-hunt. It is a fundamental pillar of democratic governance. Those who once demanded it from others should not object when it is demanded of them,” Alia was quoted as saying.

The governor further alleged that the commission had uncovered ₦139.8 billion in unaccounted public funds and urged Ortom to provide answers rather than respond through the media.

“This is an established fact and instead of ranting in the media space, Ortom and his team should be honourable enough to refund the money to Benue coffers,” he added.

However, former Governor Samuel Ortom rejected the report, describing it as a politically motivated witch-hunt aimed at discrediting his administration.

In a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Zege Paul Terhide, Ortom accused the Alia-led government of using the probe to divert attention from what he described as “three years of failed governance.”

He argued that the Commission’s findings were part of a “carefully scripted process” designed to indict his administration and tarnish his reputation.

On its part, the Alia administration, through Chief Press Secretary Sir Tersoo Kula, defended the probe, insisting that Ortom himself had previously set up a similar commission during his tenure to investigate the administration of former Governor Gabriel Suswam.

Kula argued that Ortom had no moral grounds to oppose accountability measures, noting that the principle of probing past administrations was already established precedent in the state.

“Having embraced the principle of probing a predecessor while in office, it is difficult to understand why the same principle has suddenly become objectionable when applied to his administration,” Kula said.

He maintained that the current findings were based on official records and not political conjecture, insisting that due process must be allowed to take its course.

The unfolding row has further deepened political tensions in Benue State, as both camps maintain firm positions over the legitimacy and intent of the commission’s findings, with neither side indicating a willingness to back down.