Benue: Brace for governance, stop looking for scapegoats

Terver Akase, media aide to former Governor Samuel Ortom, has called on Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State to focus on governance and avoid engaging in a media trial.

Governor Alia’s allegations include claims of recruitment into the civil service without due process, an empty treasury, and looting of government vehicles.

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However, Akase clarifies that the Ortom administration followed due process in recruiting workers, with vacancies advertised in national newspapers, interviews conducted, and appointment letters issued in accordance with civil service rules.

He also states that the decision for government officials to take their allocated official vehicles upon leaving office was approved by the Benue State Executive Council.

Addressing the issue of finances, Akase highlights the efforts made by the Ortom administration to reduce the state’s debt. Through debt swap negotiations facilitated by the Nigerian Governors Forum, significant debt reduction and reliefs were achieved, bringing down the debt profile to N45.2 billion. Additionally, he mentions outstanding approvals from the federal government, including a bailout balance of N41 billion and a N20 billion Central Bank of Nigeria facility.

Regarding pensions, Akase explains that the Ortom administration domesticated the Federal Government reforms in pension administration through the Benue State Pension Law, 2019, introducing the Contributory Pension Scheme. Significant progress was made in raising funds under the scheme, positioning Benue State to meet the conditions for full implementation.

Akase concludes by emphasizing that Governor Alia should refrain from engaging in a media trial and instead seek clarification directly from his predecessor, who is available and willing to respond to any queries. He reminds Governor Alia that government is a continuum and urges him to focus on governance rather than looking for scapegoats.