Summary: The political drama between Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and his predecessor Samuel Ortom has taken a new turn as Alia’s camp claps back hard over allegations of seizing 23 government vehicles.
The political tension brewing in Benue State just got hotter! The camp of Governor Hyacinth Alia has fired back at former Governor Samuel Ortom, and e no be small thing — the response was sharp, direct, and did not spare any punches.
This back-and-forth started after Ortom publicly accused the Alia administration of seizing 23 vehicles that were allegedly in his possession since leaving office. But rather than keep quiet and allow the narrative to stand, Alia’s team came out swinging.
“You Ran Benue Around” — Alia’s Camp Tells Ortom to Face His Mirror
On Wednesday, September 9, Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary stepped forward to address the allegations head-on. The response from the governor’s camp was clear: before you point fingers, look inward.
In what many Benue residents are describing as a long-overdue response, Alia’s team essentially told Ortom — a man who governed Benue for eight years — to account for his own stewardship before dragging the current administration’s name through the mud.
The phrase “you ran Benue around” captures the sentiment perfectly. In Nigerian parlance, to run someone around means to waste their time, deceive them, or take them on a fruitless journey — and that is precisely what Alia’s camp is accusing Ortom of doing to the good people of Benue State.
The 23-Car Controversy: What Is Really Going On?
At the heart of this drama are 23 government vehicles that Ortom allegedly held onto after leaving office. In Nigeria, it is not uncommon for outgoing administrations to face scrutiny over government property — from official cars and furniture to even bigger assets.
Ortom’s camp insists that the seizure of these vehicles is politically motivated and amounts to harassment of a former governor. But Alia’s administration is standing firm, maintaining that government property must be returned to the state — full stop.
This is a familiar scene in Nigerian politics. Once a governor hands over power, the relationship between the old and new administrations can quickly turn frosty, especially when both parties come from different political camps or hold conflicting interests.
Benue People Deserve Better
Beyond the political drama, ordinary Benue citizens are watching this saga with a mix of amusement and frustration. For a state that has faced serious challenges — from farmers-herders conflicts to issues of governance and development — seeing their leaders trade blows over cars is not exactly encouraging.
Many residents are asking the real question: when will the focus shift back to the people?
Both Ortom and Alia have had — or currently have — the power to make meaningful change in Benue. The energy being spent on this back-and-forth could very well be channelled into addressing the genuine needs of Benue’s long-suffering population.
The Bigger Picture
This clash is not just about 23 vehicles. It reflects a deeper struggle for political relevance and control in Benue State. Ortom, a former stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who later pitched his tent with the All Progressives Congress (APC), remains a significant political figure in the state. Alia, on the other hand, is still working to firmly establish his grip on governance.
As these two political heavyweights continue to exchange blows, one thing is clear — Benue State politics is anything but boring.
Stay with us for more updates as this story continues to develop. Drop your thoughts in the comments — whose side are you on in this Benue political showdown?
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