Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has challenged his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, to focus on addressing the state's security challenges instead of using him as a scapegoat for the persistent insecurity and humanitarian crisis plaguing the region.
In a statement issued on Sunday through his former Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, Ortom expressed disappointment over what he described as the current administration's tendency to deflect responsibility by constantly blaming past leadership.
Disputed IDP Figures
The former governor was responding to Governor Alia's recent claim that Benue recorded over four million internally displaced persons during Ortom's tenure – an assertion Ortom firmly denies as false and diversionary.
"At no time did Chief Ortom claim there were four million IDPs. The administration worked with reputable humanitarian agencies to generate accurate, verifiable data. The 1.5 million figure was officially documented and is the same figure Governor Alia inherited, accepted, and presented to partners," Akase stated in the release.
Governor Alia had earlier stated through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula: "Under Ortom's watch, Benue State recorded the highest number of IDPs in its history, with over four million people displaced from their ancestral homes. This figure underscores the failure of reactive rhetoric without strategic support for security architecture."
Accusations of Obsession
Akase accused the Alia administration of turning every issue into an attack on Ortom. "From the day he assumed office, Governor Alia and his aides have made it their mission to drag Ortom's name into every matter, whether relevant or not. This obsession won't solve the crisis in the state," he remarked.
The former governor's spokesperson also criticized the government's response to recent protests by IDPs at the Makurdi International Market camp, where displaced persons complained of neglect.
"While IDPs were protesting hunger and neglect, the Executive Secretary of SEMA was seen attending a lavish wedding in the United Kingdom. We expected a press release that would address that shameful insensitivity. Instead, what we got was yet another attack on Ortom," he noted.
Call to Implement Security Roadmap
Akase advised Governor Alia to implement the security roadmap recommended by President Bola Tinubu during his recent visit to the state, adding that the time for excuses had passed.
"Mr. President gave practical steps to address insecurity in Benue. Rather than act, Governor Alia keeps spinning excuses — one day blaming foreign mercenaries, the next day it's 'Abuja politicians,' and now even religious leaders," he said.
The exchange highlights the growing political tension in Benue State as the current administration grapples with persistent security challenges that have plagued the state for years.
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