 has raised concerns over what it calls unnecessary and unjustified attacks by Governor Hyacinth Alia on former Governor Samuel Ortom, accusing Alia of using these attacks to deflect attention from pressing issues regarding his administration’s financial management and allegations of corruption.){kind=link}
The Network For Transparent Governance (NTG) has raised concerns over what it calls unnecessary and unjustified attacks by Governor Hyacinth Alia on former Governor Samuel Ortom, accusing Alia of using these attacks to deflect attention from pressing issues regarding his administration’s financial management and allegations of corruption.
The NTG, an advocacy group focused on good governance and accountability, contended that Ortom has been unfairly targeted simply for attending public events and engaging with prominent figures like the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The group argued that the actions undermine the democratic principles of dialogue and collaboration between political parties.
The NTG also pointed out what it sees as hypocrisy in Alia’s actions, noting that while the current governor has been seen frequently associating with former Governor Gabriel Suswam without facing criticism, Ortom has been consistently vilified for similar interactions. This, according to the NTG, raises questions about the integrity of Alia’s administration.
In a statement signed by NTG President Dennis Agema and Secretary General Oliver Omenka, the group calls for greater transparency and accountability in Benue State’s governance.
The statement partly reads “We, the Network For Transparent Governance (NTG), a coalition committed to promoting good governance and accountability, are deeply troubled by the baseless attacks on former Governor Samuel Ortom by the current Governor, Hyacinth Alia. These attacks seem to be a deliberate attempt to distract from serious questions surrounding the handling of Benue State’s resources under Governor Alia’s administration and allegations of corruption within his government.
“Ortom, a distinguished public servant, has been unjustly targeted simply for attending public events and engaging with notable figures such as Senator Akume, and other APC members. This reflects a gross misinterpretation of democratic values, which thrive on cross-party collaboration and dialogue. Governor Alia’s focus on attacking Ortom for engaging with Akume reflects a petty, politically driven agenda that ignores the welfare of the people of Benue State.
“We find it particularly hypocritical that Governor Alia has been seen regularly with former Governor Gabriel Suswam without facing any backlash from his administration, while Ortom is constantly criticized for similar associations. This double standard raises serious concerns about the integrity and consistency of Governor Alia’s government.
“It is clear that Governor Alia is using his attacks on Ortom as a diversion from the public scrutiny over the handling of state finances. Despite Benue now receiving FAAC allocations significantly higher than during Ortom’s tenure, there is no clarity on how this money is being spent.
“Since taking office on May 29, 2023, Governor Alia has failed to provide any briefing on the state’s finances. He has been awarding contracts unilaterally, without consulting the State Executive Council or the State House of Assembly. The governor is also personally signing off on withdrawals from state accounts and has locked access to state bank accounts since assuming office. His approval limit for expenditures has been raised from N50 million to N250 million, yet no contracts are being advertised for bidding, and there are no questions raised about his authority.
“Governor Alia is running a one-man government with little to no transparency or accountability. The few projects underway, such as road construction, have been carried out without due process or proper bidding.
“Over two million people in Benue remain homeless due to herdsmen attacks, with thousands still living in IDP camps, relying on the mercy of God and the goodwill of donor organizations. However, one of Alia’s key campaign promises was to return the IDPs to their homes within the first 100 days of his administration. This promise remains unfulfilled.
“He also pledged to clear arrears of salaries and pensions, yet has failed to honor that commitment despite receiving significant allocations, particularly after the fuel subsidy was removed.
“The people of Benue State deserve to know how their tax money and federal allocations are being spent. We call on Governor Alia to provide a full, transparent report on the allocation and use of these resources to ensure that the needs of the people are being met,” the group concluded.