In a statement signed by Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia said the current administration has brought “aggressive transformation” to key sectors since taking office.
Kula said the Alia government inherited over N300 billion in state-level debt and more than N100 billion in local government debt, figures he said exceeded the N187.56 billion stated in the handover note.
He said the administration is also grappling with billions in judgment debts and garnishee orders linked to the previous administration.
The statement criticized the Ortom administration for irregular salary payments, unpaid pensions, deteriorating roads, and decayed infrastructure despite receiving bailout funds, two tranches of Paris Club refunds, and other federal and international interventions.
“Media propaganda was elevated as a state craft, with the administration offering no practical solutions,” Kula said.
He said the current administration has prioritized salary and pension payments, completed over 40 intra-city roads, installed solar lights in major towns, and launched projects including a specialized university at Ihugh, a food basket brewery, a fruit juice company, and the rehabilitation of the Otobi water works serving Otukpo and surrounding areas.
Kula was responding to comments made by Ortom’s spokesman on Arise Television earlier Monday. He said the appearance was an attempt to “undermine the developmental strides” of Gov. Alia and to reintroduce propaganda.
“Benue cannot be deceived again into returning to the PDP days of locust,” Kula said. “The state has moved forward, and the people are determined to protect the new path of progress.”
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