The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governor, Samuel Ortom, and the Governor-elect under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Revd Fr. Hyacinth Iornem Alia, are embroiled in a war of words over governance issues. The Governor-elect accused the PDP-led administration of increasing the cost of governance for the incoming government. Meanwhile, the APC through its state chairman, Comrade Austin Agada, alleged that the incumbent Governor is backdating contracts in the last lap of his administration.
Agada also accused the Ortom administration of engaging in massive illicit financial dealings, including alleged falsification of financial documents, massive employment of staff to the tune of 2,500 aimed at shifting the burden to the incoming government. The APC Chairman questioned how a Governor who did not employ or promote anyone in almost eight years could suddenly engage in massive employment of over 2,000 people just two months before leaving office to create hurdles for the incoming government.
Agada also criticized the decision of the outgoing PDP government to build an airport in less than two months when it could not build the earlier proposed cargo airport in almost eight years. He called the decision “malevolent, malicious and ill-timed” and advised consultants and contractors to refrain from entering into such deals with the outgoing administration.
The PDP, through its publicity secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, accused the APC and its Governor-elect of seeking an illegal end to Ortom’s tenure. According to Iortyom, the APC Governor-elect is planning to subvert and truncate the legitimate mandate of Governor Ortom before its due exit date of May 29th, 2023.
Iortyom also defended Governor Ortom’s recent employment of qualified persons into the Teaching Service Board (TSB) and State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB). He said that as Governor, Ortom is empowered by law to make appointments, approve promotions, engage in contractual obligations, and ensure that his administration discharges its lawful duty.
The PDP publicity secretary advised the opposition party to focus on planning for the task of statecraft ahead of them instead of chasing the “empty winds” of their allegations against Governor Ortom. He also pointed out recent approvals by the Federal Executive Council for road and hostel construction, highlighting the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
The war of words between the PDP and APC in Benue State over contract awards and jobs by Governor Ortom continues to escalate. As the state gears up for a change in leadership, both parties are advised to focus on the smooth transition of power and the development of the state, rather than trading accusations and engaging in verbal spats.
