Samuel Ortom Challenges Hyacinth Alia to Provide Evidence of Benue State’s Ownership of an Aircraft
In a recent statement, former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, demanded that his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, present proof of the state’s ownership of an aircraft.
Ortom clarified that he did not inherit an aircraft when he assumed office in 2015, nor did his administration acquire one during his two terms as governor.
The statement, released by his Media Aide, Mr. Terver Akase in Makurdi on Monday, addressed the issue raised by Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary regarding the alleged presence of an aircraft owned by the state.
During a zoom meeting with the Benue diaspora community organized by MUTA and the Idoma Association in the United States, Governor Alia hinted about the aircraft, stating that its whereabouts were still under investigation.
Ortom’s administration did not engage in the purchase of an aircraft either before or during his tenure. He emphasized that the handover notes he passed on to Governor Alia contained no mention of any aircraft owned by the state.
Issuing a challenge to Governor Alia, Ortom urged him to provide concrete evidence of the state’s ownership of an aircraft, including details such as the purchase date, amount paid, aircraft model/manufacturer, and the specific administration responsible for the acquisition.
Addressing Governor Alia’s comments about the state’s development under previous administrations, Ortom chose not to engage in a response. He maintained that it was Governor Alia’s prerogative to shape the image of the state as he saw fit.