Show Me The Evidence! Ortom Slams ₦139.8bn Allegation, Cries Political Witch-Hunt

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has strongly rejected allegations that his administration left behind approximately ₦139.8 billion unaccounted for, describing the findings of the Benue State Income and Expenditure Commission of Inquiry as a politically motivated witch-hunt.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued by his media aide, Zege Paul Terhide, Ortom argued that the commission was established with the predetermined objective of indicting his administration, insisting that the entire process lacked fairness and credibility.

The former governor noted that the matter remains before the Court of Appeal, where a hearing has been fixed for June 29, 2026. He also pointed out that the Benue State Government has approached the Supreme Court to challenge an earlier Appeal Court ruling that nullified the constitution of its investigative panels.

Reacting to the presentation of the commission’s report, Ortom described the event as a “media spectacle,” saying he would ordinarily have ignored what he termed the continued fixation of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration on his predecessor’s government.

However, he said the attempt to legitimise a process that is legally contested and politically driven necessitated a response.

According to him, the commission’s work was not a genuine accountability exercise but the culmination of a carefully orchestrated effort aimed at discrediting his administration.

He questioned why the state government would continue with the probe despite ongoing court proceedings, arguing that such actions undermine the judicial process.

“It is surprising that a government which has voluntarily submitted itself to the courts would proceed as though those legal processes do not exist,” he said, describing the move as an indication of disregard for judicial authority.

Ortom further alleged that rather than allowing the courts to determine the issues in dispute, the Alia administration dissolved the original panels and constituted new ones under different names in a bid to continue the investigations.

He also maintained that the current commission had been duly notified of the pending legal challenges questioning its legitimacy.

The former governor argued that the timing of the report was politically calculated, claiming it was intended to divert attention from challenges facing the current administration.

According to him, Governor Alia’s government has struggled to address issues such as insecurity, the welfare of internally displaced persons, industrial disputes in the education sector, and concerns surrounding the management of state resources.

Ortom further alleged that the administration frequently blames his government whenever questions arise regarding its performance.

He called on the present administration to account for the resources that have accrued to the state since it assumed office in May 2023, insisting that true accountability begins with explaining one’s own stewardship rather than focusing on previous governments.

“Whenever questions are raised about governance, security, or the management of public funds, the Ortom administration is blamed,” he said. “The government should instead provide answers regarding its own record and the resources at its disposal over the past three years.”