By Paul Aondoakaa 

Former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom has criticised Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration, alleging shortcomings in governance, rule of law and stakeholder engagement while questioning whether the expectations surrounding Alia’s leadership have been fulfilled.

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has criticised Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration, saying the expectations created by Alia’s background as a Catholic priest and his reputation for healing have not translated into what he described as the “healing” of Benue.

Ortom made the remarks during an interview with ARISE NEWS while discussing the performance of the Alia administration and the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the former governor, many Benue residents expected Alia to bring reconciliation and healing to the state after he emerged as governor in 2023.

“No single person can say that I was healed by Alia’s ministry,” Ortom said.

Ortom alleges disregard for rule of law

Ortom also accused the Alia administration of failing to uphold democratic norms and the rule of law.

“What we are witnessing in the last three years and some months is that here is a government that doesn’t believe in the rule of law, but believes in witch hunting, believes in running opponents down,” he said.

He further alleged that political opponents had been targeted by the administration and that stakeholders were not being sufficiently consulted on important issues affecting the state.

The claims are Ortom’s allegations and have not, from the interview alone, been independently established by Benue Info-pedia.

Dispute over 23 vehicles

As an example of what he described as disregard for the rule of law, Ortom referred to a dispute involving 23 official vehicles.

He claimed the vehicles had been approved by the State Executive Council as used assets after serving for more than four years, but were subsequently taken by the Alia administration without prior notice.

Ortom said he challenged the action in court and obtained a judgment ordering the return of the vehicles, alongside an award of ₦5 million in damages.

“As I talk to you those vehicles have not been given to me. He hasn’t even appealed,” he said.

However, the specific court judgment and its current legal status would need to be independently reviewed before the details of Ortom’s account can be confirmed.

Security and stakeholder engagement

The former governor also criticised the administration’s handling of security and stakeholder engagement.

Ortom alleged that Governor Alia had not convened a meeting involving former governors, traditional rulers and other stakeholders following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention after the Yelwata massacre.

He said the governor had failed to summon the meeting he expected to help address insecurity in the state.

Ortom also claimed that Alia had directed traditional rulers not to receive him during a recent visit to his kinsmen connected to his wife’s senatorial ambition.

He did not present evidence of the alleged directive during the interview, and the claim remains unverified by Benue Info-pedia.

Political implications ahead of 2027

Ortom said he had initially attempted to establish a working relationship with Alia after the 2023 transition, claiming that he met the governor before his inauguration, handed over notes and offered his support.

He alleged that communication between them subsequently broke down.

Despite his criticism of Alia, Ortom said he would support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.

He also declared continued alignment with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and said he would support candidates of his choice for legislative positions and the governorship of Benue State.

Benue Info-pedia will seek the response of the Alia administration to the specific claims raised by the former governor.

As the 2027 political contest approaches, the central question for voters will ultimately extend beyond competing political narratives: what does the evidence show about the performance, decisions and record of those seeking their support?

What happens next: Benue Info-pedia will continue to track the claims, official responses and documentary evidence surrounding the issues raised.