Ortom Accuses Alia Of Cancelling His House, Free Medical Checks And Other Entitlements

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has accused his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, of withdrawing his statutory entitlements, including the provision of a house and annual medical examinations funded by the state government.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Ortom made the allegation during an interview on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, where he discussed the benefits he said were guaranteed to him under a law enacted by the Benue State House of Assembly.

The former governor claimed that the Alia administration discontinued the benefits after taking office, leaving him without the financial and other provisions he expected to receive as a former governor.

Ortom explained that the entitlements included accommodation in Abuja or another location, as well as an annual medical check-up at a hospital of his choice, either within Nigeria or abroad, with the state government responsible for the expenses.

He maintained that the arrangement was provided for by law and expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to withdraw the benefits.

According to Ortom, the monthly salary of a sitting governor was less than ₦600,000, adding that his remuneration while in office was not different from that of other state governors.

He said the benefits he was referring to were separate provisions intended to support former governors, particularly in areas such as healthcare and accommodation.

Ortom also disclosed that he still resides in his house at Games Village in Abuja, where he has lived since 2008, when he served as the national auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He questioned why he had continued living in the same residence despite having served as governor, arguing that he was entitled to government-provided accommodation under the arrangement he described.

The former governor’s remarks have brought renewed attention to the issue of post-tenure benefits for former state executives and the implementation of laws governing such entitlements in Benue State.

However, the allegations concerning the withdrawal of the benefits represent Ortom’s account of the matter, and no response from Governor Alia or his administration was included in the report.