Ortom Accuses Alia of Lies in Benue Political Clash

The political tension in Benue State has escalated as former Governor Samuel Ortom accused his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, of governing through “lies, deceit and hypocrisy.” Ortom, who served from 2015 to 2023, has been vocal since Alia took office in May 2023. Central to their conflict is financial management; Alia's administration claims to spend approximately N7.4 billion monthly on servicing debts inherited from Ortom, totaling over N21.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025.

Ortom disputes this, noting that Benue received over N1.3 trillion under Alia, compared to N817 billion during his tenure, aided by the removal of the fuel subsidy. Ortom also criticized Alia's increase of the governor's unilateral spending limit from N50 million to N250 million.

Additionally, the seizure of 23 vehicles from Ortom has been labeled a witch hunt by him, although a Benue High Court dismissed his suit as speculative. Security remains contentious, with Alia claiming a reduction in mass killings, which Ortom contests, citing ongoing attacks in various localities.