By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The ongoing saga between the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, and former Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, continues to escalate as the current administration launches a move to recover over N2.4 billion from appointees of its predecessor.
This followed a directive that three former vice chairmen of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, in North Central Nigeria have been asked to refund a total of ₦2,445,012,596.92 to the club's coffers.
This directive comes in the wake of a White Paper report released by the Benue State Government, which detailed the findings of a forensic audit investigation headed by San-Chir-Igba Donatus, ACA, spanning from January 2020 to September 2024.
The committee, which was appointed by Governor Hyacinth Alia, revealed discrepancies in the club's finances, with only ₦1,314,807,672.94 out of ₦3,759,820,269.86 being properly accounted for.
The breakdown of the refunds indicates specific amounts owed by each former official for various periods between 2020 and 2025.
Furthermore, the committee's report recommended changes to ensure the club's financial transparency, including registering Lobi Stars as a full company and ensuring that funds from sponsors are directly deposited into the club's account.
It also proposed for the club to operate independently from governmental control in order to enhance its efficiency.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Benue State Governor, Tersoo Kula says, the investigation process involved inviting all relevant individuals and entities to provide their perspectives, ensuring a fair and thorough examination of the club's financial affairs.
However, in a swift reaction, the former Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Samuel Ortom, Mr. Terver Akase, has raised the alarm that since the beginning of the year, Governor Alia and his team have been targeting Chief Ortom, raising questions about the motive behind the sustained attacks.
He says the attacks on Chief Ortom include multiple petitions to anti-corruption agencies, probe panels, and the sealing of companies associated with the former Governor.
Akase noted that despite the lack of justification for these actions, Governor Alia's media team continues to release press statements attacking Chief Ortom on a daily basis.
According to him, the hostility towards Chief Ortom appears unwarranted, especially considering his dedication to unity, justice, equity, and fairness throughout his public service career.
Akase stated that Governor Alia's apparent disdain for Chief Ortom's political affiliations and associations raises concerns about the administration's priorities and motives.
As Governor Alia focuses on disparaging Chief Ortom, the people of Benue State continue to face pressing issues such as security challenges and the return of Internally Displaced Persons back to their ancestral lands.
The statement quotes, "Rather than engaging in a smear campaign against his predecessor, Governor Alia should redirect his focus towards addressing these critical issues and providing good governance for the people of Benue State.
"Chief Ortom's tenure as Governor has ended, leaving Governor Alia with the opportunity to lead the state effectively and fulfill his promises to the people*.
Mr. Akase adviced that "Instead of engaging in baseless attacks, the current administration should prioritize the needs of the people and work towards improving the state's overall welfare".
Meanwhile, as the political tensions in Benue State continue to rise, Akase urged Governor Alia to refocus his efforts on governance and address the pressing issues facing the state, adding that "Chief Ortom has played his part, and now it is time for Governor Alia to step up and lead Benue State towards a better future".
