The former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, on Tuesday criticized his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia. He called Alia a "hypocrite" and promised to expose what he claims is the mismanagement in the current administration.
Ortom made these remarks during a meeting with journalists at his home in Judges Quarters along Gboko Road in Makurdi, the state capital.
His comments came after a probe panel accused his administration of failing to account for N139.8 billion during his eight years in office.
Ortom said, "From today, I will expose this government (Alia administration) for its hypocrisy, outright looting of state resources, and the wrongs done to our people, including giving away our land to foreigners."
He added, "So many lies have been told about me. After three years, I realized that if I keep quiet, it would look like I agree, so I need to defend myself and let the world see that what Alia is doing is pure persecution."
Ortom also challenged Alia to a public debate so they could show their performances based on the resources each administration received.
He reflected on his past disagreements with his former boss, Senator George Akume. Ortom called for unity and collaboration for the betterment of Benue State and Nigeria.
He recalled a statement he made after winning re-election in 2019, where he claimed to have "retired Akume politically." Ortom said he regretted that statement.
He said, "After my prayers, I realized that I spoke out of arrogance. Only God decides people's destinies."
The former governor mentioned that he has reconciled with Akume, whom he now views as his leader. He noted that Akume is still politically powerful and that they have chosen to work together on the "Benue project," even though they belong to different political parties.
Ortom stressed that Nigeria's current challenges need leaders to focus on national and state interests rather than party loyalty.
Meanwhile, Alia responded to Ortom's comments, saying the former governor left a heavy debt for the state that raises many questions.
Alia spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo. He said his government is not out to get revenge on Ortom.
He explained, "Handover notes should be reviewed. When you find issues, you should bring in the right authority to clarify the problems."
Alia added, "This is not the first time a panel is investigating a past administration. Ortom set up a panel to investigate his predecessor, Sen. Gabriel Suswam."
He questioned why Ortom was comfortable probing his predecessor but is now reluctant to be scrutinized himself.
Alia stated that his administration is still dealing with the problems left by Ortom's time in office.
He commented, "Today, we face garnishee orders almost every day. We are dealing with garnishee orders in billions. This is because of poor management and disregard for the right processes during that infamous administration, which people called 'years of the locusts.'"
The governor dismissed Ortom's statements, saying Ortom's government mostly relied on propaganda.
Alia said, "From fake tears in churches to continuous misleading statements. When a governor claims he was running from attackers for over a kilometer, what else can you call him but a storyteller?"
Both leaders have been exchanging criticisms over alleged poor performance and misuse of state resources.
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