Benue Political Tensions Explode: Ortom and Alia Trade Explosive Accusations

The political landscape in Benue State, Nigeria, has been fraught with tension and accusations between the current Governor Hyacinth Alia and his predecessor, Samuel Ortom. These disputes have encompassed both allegations of property seizure and strong condemnations regarding governance and adherence to the rule of law.

One significant point of contention revolves around 23 cars allegedly seized from former Governor Samuel Ortom. Ortom claimed that these vehicles were legitimately given to him by the State Executive Council at the end of his tenure in 2023. He further stated that he had successfully taken the current state government to court over the seizure and won the case. However, Governor Alia's Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, provided a counter-narrative, accusing Ortom of having run the state “aground” during his eight-year reign. Kula explained that the cars in question were discovered hidden in a mechanic workshop following intelligence reports from security agencies. Speaking on Arise Television's Morning Show, Kula expressed difficulty understanding how Ortom, who presided over and appointed members of the Executive Council, could claim legitimate ownership of the cars. He further highlighted that the owner of the mechanic workshop had initially taken the Benue State Government to court concerning the hidden vehicles.

Beyond the car controversy, former Governor Ortom vehemently condemned an incident on September 9 where presidential candidate Peter Obi was reportedly prevented from visiting the Yelwata community in the Guma Local Government Area. Ortom directly accused Governor Alia of being responsible for this blockade and of displaying a profound disregard for the rule of law. During an appearance on Channels Television's “Politics Today,” Ortom criticized Alia, a self-proclaimed Catholic priest, for promoting lawlessness despite religious teachings advocating respect for state laws. He emphasized that denying Peter Obi the opportunity to visit and sympathize with people whose loved ones were killed was “wrong” and indicative of the current government's nature in Benue State.

Ortom further expanded on his allegations, accusing Governor Alia of involvement in previous acts of impunity within the state, citing an incident concerning the office of the Chief Judge. He claimed that Alia, asserting a “No Alia, no Benue” stance, had used “thugs” and tippers loaded with sand to block the Chief Judge's office. Ortom challenged Governor Alia to deny his knowledge and involvement in the Peter Obi blockade under oath, specifically by swearing on the Bible, to prove his alleged innocence. He asserted that Alia's involvement was a “deliberate attempt” and could not be denied.

The incident involving Peter Obi also drew strong condemnation from former Bayelsa State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) national leader, Seriake Dickson. Speaking on Arise TV’s “Newsnight,” Dickson called for a thorough investigation into the matter and the prosecution of all those found responsible, especially given allegations of government officials' involvement. Dickson stressed that such an occurrence during an official campaign period sent a “very dangerous signal” and constituted “criminal” and “rascality of the highest order.” He argued that Nigerian citizens, particularly presidential candidates, do not require permission to travel to any state and that the use of thugs to obstruct a candidate was “unacceptable” and “obscene,” reflecting a concerning decline in national political conduct.

Dickson also confirmed that the NDC had formally notified the Benue State Commissioner of Police about Peter Obi's visit prior to the incident, asserting that informing the Commissioner of Police, as the chief law enforcement officer of the state, constituted informing the relevant state authorities. The NDC announced plans to formally petition the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General of the Federation regarding the blockade. Dickson urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene, emphasizing that the President, as the leader of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, holds a responsibility to preserve and protect the nation's democratic order and system, beyond his role as a party leader.