Ortom Rejects Benue Government Probe Report, Labels Inquiry 'Political Witch-Hunt'

The single sharpest fact is that former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom has rejected the report of the Benue State Income and Expenditure Commission of Inquiry, labeling the investigation a 'politically motivated witch-hunt'. Ortom's reaction came a day after the commission submitted its report to the Benue state government in Makurdi.

The commission, chaired by retired Justice Jubril Idrisu, was inaugurated by Governor Hyacinth Alia in June 2025 to investigate the income and expenditure of the immediate past administration and the 23 local government councils between May 29, 2015, and May 28, 2023. Presenting the report on Friday, Justice Idrisu said the commission reviewed financial records and conducted public hearings involving former government officials and institutions.

According to him, the commission's findings revealed that the state generated over N826.5 billion during the period under review, while expenditure stood at about N683.4 billion, leaving an unaccounted balance of approximately N139.8 billion. Receiving the report on behalf of Governor Alia, Deputy Governor Sam Ode said the administration remained committed to transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms.

However, Ortom maintained that the legitimacy of the probe remains the subject of ongoing litigation. According to his statement, earlier panels established by the Alia administration to investigate his government were challenged in court and subsequently dissolved before a new commission was constituted. He noted that there is a pending appeal challenging the legality of the inquiry, with a hearing scheduled at the Court of Appeal on June 29, 2026.

The former governor also said the Benue state government had approached the Supreme Court to challenge an earlier Appeal Court ruling that nullified the constitution of previous probe panels. 'It is therefore astonishing that a government which voluntarily submitted itself to the jurisdiction of the courts would, in the same breath, proceed as though those judicial processes do not exist,' the statement said.

Ortom accused the Alia administration of using the probe to divert attention from governance challenges, including insecurity, the plight of Internally Displaced Persons, industrial disputes in the education sector, and questions surrounding the management of state finances. 'Whenever questions are asked about the over N1.3 trillion that has accrued to Benue state under the present administration, Governor Alia and his appointees quickly blame Ortom. Whenever the administration struggles to explain its performance after three years in office, it blames Ortom. Whenever insecurity worsens and communities continue to suffer attacks, the Alia government blames Ortom. Whenever public dissatisfaction grows, it blames Ortom.'

Ortom's full statement: 'The unfortunate reality is that Governor Alia has become more interested in prosecuting media battles against his predecessor than in addressing the serious challenges confronting Benue state.'

Samuel Ortom has nothing to hide and remains proud of his record in office and committed to the rule of law. His administration conducted financial activities in accordance with the law and established government procedures, with government accounts subjected to annual statutory audits, budgets regularly presented and approved, and financial records maintained by relevant institutions.

The Benue state government has expressed confidence in implementing the commission's recommendations, which they believe will strengthen institutions, discourage the mismanagement of public funds, and ensure accountability. The implementation of these recommendations, if successful, could potentially address the challenges facing the state and its citizens.

The probe report and its subsequent rejection by Ortom's administration highlight the ongoing power struggle between the two leaders. This development also underscores the complexities of governance and the challenges that leaders face in navigating the political landscape.

Former Governor Samuel Ortom's background: Before becoming the Governor of Benue State in 2015, Ortom was the state's Minister of the then-President Goodluck Jonathan's administration. He was a member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and served as the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity.

The Benue state government has not commented on Ortom's rejection of the probe report. The deputy governor's statement suggests that the administration is committed to implementing the commission's recommendations and strengthening institutions.

The ongoing power struggle between Ortom and Alia's administrations could have significant implications for the state and its citizens. The Benue state government's decision to reject Ortom's rejection of the probe report may have far-reaching consequences, both for the administration and the state's citizens.