Samuel Ortom, the former Governor of Benue State, has accused his successor, Hyacinth Alia, of deliberately trying to hinder him in the days leading up to his handover. Ortom responded to Alia’s numerous allegations of mismanagement by urging him to focus on governing the state’s people instead of seeking a scapegoat.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Terver Akase, Ortom addressed the situation, stating, “The current Governor has leveled baseless accusations against his predecessor, claiming that recruitment into the civil service was conducted without due process, the treasury was left empty, and government vehicles were looted, among other unfounded claims.”
Ortom further highlighted the challenging circumstances he faced during the transition period, with the new administration even writing to banks to obstruct any financial transactions by the outgoing government. Despite these obstacles, the Ortom administration managed to provide funding for the May 29 inauguration.
While refraining from engaging in a war of words with the current Governor, Ortom emphasized that due process was followed in the recruitment of workers, contrary to the allegations made by the Alia administration. Vacancies were appropriately advertised in national newspapers, and applicants underwent thorough interviews and screenings in accordance with civil service regulations. Successful candidates were duly appointed, and promotions were conducted following established service rules.
Ortom also addressed the issue of government vehicles, clarifying that it was a decision made by the Benue State Executive Council to grant waivers allowing government officials, including the Governor and his Deputy, to retain the official vehicles allocated to them. Therefore, Ortom did not violate any laws by leaving office with the vehicles assigned to him.