Alia, Ortom bicker over Benue funds, bad governance

As Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia digs in his heels over allegations of financial mismanagement and poor governance, the people of the state are left to wonder if their voices will be heard. For Samuel Ortom, the former governor, the bickering is a clear indication of Alia's refusal to confront the state's problems head-on. With over N1.3 trillion in revenue accrued in just three years, Ortom's question echoes through the streets of Makurdi: what has been done with it?

Samuel Ortom's allegations of financial mismanagement are not unfounded. He points to the fact that while Benue State received about N817 billion during his eight-year tenure, the current administration has failed to deliver tangible results. The former governor's figures are stark: N1.3 trillion in revenue, and a paltry 10.5 kilometres of roads commissioned in three years. In a state where people are still waiting for salaries, it's a damning indictment of Alia's leadership.

Ortom's criticism of Alia's leadership style is not just about numbers; it's about people. The former governor accuses Alia of failing to unite the state and engage critical stakeholders since assuming office. In a state where tensions are high, leadership is not just about making decisions, it's about listening to people. Ortom's words are a stark reminder that leadership is about empathy and understanding, not just about wielding power.

Ortom's remarks on the role of clerics in partisan politics are a reflection of his own experiences. The former governor has been critical of clerics participating in politics, insisting that priesthood and politics require different orientations. His words are a warning to those who would seek to blur the lines between the two: a priest represents God, not a political party.

Ortom's challenge to Alia is not a call for a witch-hunt, but a call for accountability. The former governor wants to engage Alia in a public debate, with facts and figures on the table. It's a chance for Alia to prove his critics wrong, to show that he's committed to transparency and good governance. But with the current administration's track record, it's hard to be optimistic.

As the bickering between Ortom and Alia continues, the people of Benue State are left to wonder if their voices will be heard. Will Alia rise to the challenge, or will he continue to hide behind false allegations and a veil of secrecy?The people of Benue State are watching, and they're not impressed.