Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has challenged Governor Hyacinth Alia to a public debate over allegations of financial misappropriation levelled against his administration.
Ortom issued the challenge on Tuesday while hosting members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists at his residence in Makurdi, where he addressed recent accusations and broader governance issues in the state.
The former governor insisted that his administration, which lasted eight years, was anchored on transparency and accountability, noting that the state’s financial accounts were audited annually and the reports published in national newspapers.
He further stated that a comprehensive audit report covering his tenure had been gazetted following approval by the Benue State House of Assembly, in line with due process and legal requirements.
According to him, all financial records from his administration remain intact and are open to scrutiny by relevant authorities, adding that Governor Alia should be prepared to defend any allegations with verifiable evidence.
“Let us meet for a debate where both sides can lay out their records for the people to judge,” Ortom said.
Reacting to claims that ₦139.8 billion was misappropriated under his watch, Ortom dismissed the allegation, describing it as unfounded and based on what he called “imaginary records” aimed at damaging his reputation.
He urged the current administration to approach the matter through legal channels if it believes there is a genuine case, stressing that issues of financial misconduct should be proven in court rather than through public statements.
Ortom also questioned the management of resources under the Alia administration, claiming that the state had received about ₦1.3 trillion in revenue since the governor assumed office.
He argued that despite the increased inflow of funds, challenges such as unpaid salaries, pensions, and gratuities persist, while many residents are yet to feel meaningful development in the state.
The former governor further urged Alia to prioritise campaign promises, including clearing salary arrears, paying pensions and gratuities, and supporting the return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
He maintained that accountability and good governance must remain the focus of any administration, adding that public resources should be managed transparently for the benefit of citizens.