The Network For Transparent Governance (NTG) has expressed concern over what is described as unwarranted attacks on former Governor Samuel Ortom by the current Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia. The coalition, which advocates for good governance and accountability, claims that these criticisms are an attempt by Governor Alia to distract from pressing questions regarding his administration’s financial management and allegations of corruption.
According to the NTG, Ortom, a respected leader and public servant, has been targeted simply for attending public events and engaging with notable figures, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. The organization argues that this behavior undermines the democratic spirit of collaboration and dialogue across political parties.
The NTG further highlighted the perceived hypocrisy in Alia’s actions, noting that the current governor has been seen in the company of former Governor Gabriel Suswam without facing similar backlash. This inconsistency raises concerns about the integrity and accountability of Alia’s administration, they argue.
The NTG’s statement, signed by President Dennis Agema and Secretary General Oliver Omenka, underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the Benue State government.
The statement reads:
“We, the Network For Transparent Governance (NTG), a coalition dedicated to the promotion of good governance and accountability, have viewed with dismay, the unwarranted and scathing attacks on the former Governor of the state, Samuel Ortom by the present Governor Hyacinth Alia. These assaults are not only baseless but serve as a glaring evasive move by Governor Alia to divert attention from questions begging for answers regarding his handling of huge resources of the state under his care and the reported level of corruption within his administration.
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Alia’s Bashing Of Ortom, An Unprofitable Investment
“Ortom who has established himself as a distinguished leader and public servant, has been unjustifiably victimized for merely attending public events and relating with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and other prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This is a gross misrepresentation of the spirit of democracy, which thrives on collaboration and dialogue across party lines. Governor Alia’s obsession with targeting Ortom for engaging with Senator Akume underscores a narrow-minded approach that prioritizes petty politics over the welfare of the people of Benue State.
“We find it particularly hypocritical that while Governor Alia has frequently been seen in the company of former Governor Gabriel Suswam, without so much as a whisper of dissent from his administration and his supporters, Ortom is repeatedly vilified for similar associations. This double standard not only raises questions about the integrity of Governor Alia’s government but also highlights the selective nature of their criticisms.
“Our conclusion on this issue is that Governor Alia is using the Ortom bashing as an escape route from public scrutiny over his handling of resources of the state. It is on record that Benue State is now receiving FAAC allocations four times higher than Ortom’s time, but no one can tell where the money is going.
“Since May 29th, 2023 when Alia took over, he has not briefed the state on his stewardship regarding finances. He awards contracts unilaterally and does not recourse to either the State Executive Council or the State House of Assembly. The governor signs the withdrawal of funds from government bank accounts also personally. He has locked accounts of the state since the day he was sworn into office. He has increased his approval limit from N50 million to N250 million. Alia awards contacts without due process and no one dares question his authority.
“Governor Alia is running a one man government anchored on zero transparency and accountability. All the few roads and other countable projects he has done, there was no due process and no bidding was advertised.
“Over two million Benue people are homeless because of herdsmen attacks. Thousands of the victims are living in IDP camps. They depend on the mercy of God and the goodwill of some good spirited people and donor organizations.
But returning the IDPs to their ancestral homes within the first 100 days in office was one of the main campaign promises of Alia before the 2023 election.
“He also promised to clear the arrears of salaries and pensions but has deliberately refused to fulfill his promise, despite receiving monumental monthly allocations since the removal of fuel subsidy.
“The people of Benue State deserve to know how their tax money and federal allocations are being utilized. We call on Governor Alia to provide a comprehensive report detailing expenditures and the impact of these monumental resources. The public should have access to information regarding the allocation and utilization of funds to ensure that their needs are being met”, the group submitted.
