Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has responded to criticisms from former governor Samuel Ortom over the seizure of vehicles linked to the former administration, accusing his predecessor of leaving the state in a difficult situation.
Alia reportedly fired back at Ortom while addressing the controversy surrounding vehicles seized by the state government. The governor questioned aspects of the former administration’s handling of state affairs and said Ortom had “run Benue around.”
The dispute comes amid growing political tensions in Benue, where disagreements between the current administration and officials of the previous government have continued to generate public attention.
The controversy over the vehicles is significant because government-owned assets are expected to be properly documented, accounted for and transferred between administrations. Disagreements over ownership, custody or the circumstances surrounding their acquisition can therefore raise broader questions about transparency and accountability in public administration.
The latest exchange also comes against the backdrop of wider political disagreements in the state. Benue has faced serious security challenges in recent years, making governance, public accountability and the effective use of state resources particularly important to residents.
While the Alia administration has defended its actions concerning the vehicles, the claims surrounding the assets remain part of a political dispute between the two camps. Any determination regarding ownership, legality or alleged misuse would require relevant documentation and, where necessary, formal investigation or judicial consideration.
The development is likely to attract further attention as Benue’s political actors position themselves ahead of future elections and continue to debate the record of successive administrations.
Ortom served as governor of Benue State before Alia assumed office in 2023. Alia’s administration has since pursued its own governance agenda while frequently highlighting challenges inherited from the previous government.
The latest exchange underscores the continuing political rivalry between the two administrations and the importance of resolving disputes over public assets through transparent and lawful processes.
