Ortom’s debt legacy cannot be rewritten – Benue government

The Benue State Government has refuted recent claims alleging a sharp increase in the state’s debt profile from N122.5 billion to ₦N187.5 billion between September and December 2024.

In a statement released on Saturday, April 5, 2025, the government described a recent report as misleading, false, and deliberately crafted to undermine the achievements of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, the figures being peddled are part of a broader propaganda campaign by political detractors.

The government maintained that the N187.5 billion debt figure being circulated actually reflects the debt burden left behind by former Governor Samuel Ortom, as acknowledged by Ortom himself during the transition period in May 2024.

The statement reads below:

“It is evident that these adversaries of Benue State are intent on tarnishing the image of our performing governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. Their aim is to paint a distorted picture of his leadership before the public and national authorities.

“However, as in their numerous previous attempts, this attempt too has backfired spectacularly.
Let us recall that Governor Alia’s predecessor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, in one of his futile attempts to deny the real debt burden he left for the state after his departure in May 2024, openly acknowledged a debt burden of ₦187.5 billion.

“This fact was widely reported and stands in stark contrast to the claims being made now.

“The question arises: how did these detractors derive their figure of a ₦65 billion increase in debt, from ₦122.5billion to ₦187.5 billion?

“It is instructive to note that since coming into powers over one year and eight months, the Alia led administration has not borrowed any money or raised a bond from any bank or financial institution.

“The truth cannot be suppressed. We will continue to expose these falsehoods for what they are.
It is disheartening to witness the erosion of journalistic integrity in our country, but we urge our journalists and media houses to adhere to the ethical standards of their profession by verifying facts before publication.

“Finally, Governor Alia's administration remains committed to transparency and accountability in governance.

“We will not be distracted by the malicious fabrications of cynical malcontents who wish to see our state falter.”;