Benue Billions Vanish? Governors Clash Over N139.8bn Missing Funds

A significant political confrontation has erupted in Benue State, pitting the incumbent Governor Hyacinth Alia against his predecessor, Chief Samuel Ortom. The dispute centers on allegations that ₦139.8 billion in public funds remained unaccounted for during Ortom’s tenure as governor, spanning from 2015 to 2023. This heated exchange follows the submission of a critical report by the Benue State Income and Expenditure Commission of Inquiry, a body established by the Alia administration to investigate financial records.

According to the Commission, led by retired Justice Jibril Idrisu, the state generated approximately ₦826.5 billion in revenue between 2015 and 2023. However, total expenditures during the same period were reported to be around ₦683.4 billion, leaving a substantial alleged gap of ₦139.8 billion. Reacting to these findings, Governor Alia emphasized that accountability is a fundamental pillar of democratic governance. He staunchly dismissed criticisms that the probe was politically motivated, stating, “Accountability is not a witch-hunt. It is a fundamental pillar of democratic governance. Those who once demanded it from others should not object when it is demanded of them.” Governor Alia further asserted that the commission had indeed uncovered ₦139.8 billion in unaccounted public funds and urged Ortom to respond directly with answers rather than engaging through the media. He added, “This is an established fact and instead of ranting in the media space, Ortom and his team should be honourable enough to refund the money to Benue coffers.”

In a swift and strong rebuttal, former Governor Samuel Ortom rejected the commission’s report outright, branding it as a politically motivated witch-hunt specifically designed to discredit his past administration. Through a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Zege Paul Terhide, Ortom accused the Alia-led government of exploiting the probe to divert public attention from what he characterized as “three years of failed governance.” He contended that the Commission’s findings were merely part of a “carefully scripted process” meticulously orchestrated to indict his administration and tarnish his hard-earned reputation.

The Alia administration, through its Chief Press Secretary Sir Tersoo Kula, robustly defended the legitimacy and necessity of the financial probe. Kula highlighted a precedent set by Ortom himself, recalling that the former governor had established a similar commission during his time in office to investigate the administration of his own predecessor, former Governor Gabriel Suswam. Kula argued that, given this history, Ortom lacked any moral grounds to oppose current accountability measures, asserting that the principle of probing past administrations was already a well-established precedent within the state. “Having embraced the principle of probing a predecessor while in office, it is difficult to understand why the same principle has suddenly become objectionable when applied to his administration,” Kula remarked. He further maintained that the current findings were derived from official records and not based on political speculation, insisting that due process must be allowed to run its course.

This escalating political row has significantly deepened existing tensions within Benue State. Both the current administration and the former governor’s camp remain entrenched in their respective positions, steadfastly asserting the legitimacy and intent of the commission’s findings. With neither side showing any indication of a willingness to concede, the confrontation over alleged financial impropriety is expected to continue impacting the state’s political landscape.