Benue has moved beyond ‘days of locust’ under Ortom — Tersoo Kula

The Benue State Government has defended the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, saying the state has made significant progress under his leadership and cannot return to what it described as the “days of locust” experienced during the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom.

In a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, the government said Benue is currently witnessing major transformation across different sectors under Alia’s leadership.

Kula stated that Governor Alia came into office prepared with a clear vision to rescue the state from years of hardship and poor governance allegedly experienced under the Peoples Democratic Party-led administration of Samuel Ortom.

According to the statement, workers and pensioners suffered neglect during the previous administration, while public infrastructure deteriorated despite several federal interventions and loans received by the state.

The governor’s aide alleged that the Ortom administration left behind debts running into over N300 billion at the state level and more than N100 billion in local government liabilities.

He also claimed that the current administration inherited several judgement debts and garnishee orders linked to actions taken during the previous government.

The statement further accused the former administration of relying heavily on propaganda instead of delivering practical solutions to the challenges facing the state.

Stating achievements recorded under Governor Alia, Kula said the administration has improved workers’ welfare through regular salary payments and renewed attention to pensioners.

He added that the government has embarked on infrastructure development projects, including the construction of over 40 intra-city roads, installation of solar streetlights, rehabilitation of the Otobi Water Works, and the establishment of institutions and industries aimed at boosting economic growth.

Kula also referenced a recent television appearance by a spokesperson to former Governor Ortom, describing the outing as an attempt to undermine the achievements of the Alia administration.

“The Benue people have come to understand the difference between leadership and propaganda; the difference between progress and deception,” the statement said.

The government maintained that residents of the state have embraced the current direction of governance and are determined not to return to the past.