Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has been criticised by his predecessor, Samuel Ortom, who accused the incumbent governor of running the state on a foundation of lies, deceit and hypocrisy.
According to Ortom, Alia’s administration is undermining the rule of law, witch-hunting political opponents and shutting out key stakeholders from the affairs of the state.
Ortom made the allegations in a recent interview, where he also made several other claims concerning the administration of his successor.
He said: “What we are witnessing in the last three years and some months is that here is a government that doesn’t believe in the rule of law, but believes in witch-hunting, believes in running opponents down.”
“The seizure of 23 official vehicles allocated to me and members of my former administration. The vehicles were legitimately approved by the State Executive Council as used assets after more than four years of service. The government took them without prior notice.”
“I took the matter to court and won. The court ordered the return of the vehicles and awarded me ₦5 million in damages. As I talk to you, those vehicles have not been given to me. He hasn’t even appealed.”
“The governor directed that no chief should receive me and that I shouldn’t speak to any of them.”
“No single person can say that I was healed by Alia’s ministry. Benue people were deceived and are now realising the gap between campaign promises and reality.”
“President Bola Tinubu, during a visit after the Yelewata massacre, directed the governor to convene a meeting of former governors, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions. Our governor has refused to summon that meeting. He doesn’t listen to anybody. He says he’s an independent person, so it is what he wants that he does.”
“I met Alia before his inauguration, handed over notes and offered continued support. Since that meeting till today, the man hasn’t picked my call.”
“Democracy is about the people. So where you don’t allow the people to see you and talk to you, nothing is happening.”