The media consultant to former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, Trevor Akase, has accused the state government of inflating inherited debt figures and failing to provide adequate financial accountability, in a right of reply to claims made by the current administration.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, Akase defended the Ortom administration, insisting that allegations of unpaid salaries and pensions were being exaggerated by the present government.
“Now Governor Onyea is not telling Benue people how much he is receiving. Since he came in, there has not been any accountability briefing since he came in, there has not been any accountability briefing. Governance must come with honour. When you are the governor of the state, be truthful to the people you are representing the people. You are the standard bearer of the people. Speak with honour. Speak with integrity.”
He argued that claims suggesting widespread salary arrears under Ortom did not reflect the actual record of payments during his tenure.
“What I have just told you, I have just told you that our 96 months in eight years, Governor Onyea was able to pay 91 months.”
Akase maintained that the former administration met most of its salary obligations despite economic challenges, including recessions and inherited debts. “Despite all of that, despite the fact that Nigeria went into recession two times, Governor Luton was able to pay out of 96 months in eight years.”
He said the issue between both sides was not the existence of debt, but disagreement over the scale and interpretation of what was owed. “Since he came in, there has not been any accountability briefing.”
On infrastructure spending, Akase questioned the cost of road projects under the current government, alleging that figures being quoted were inflated. “He has said, he has claimed that one kilometre of road is costing him 5.2 billion.”
He argued that governance should be guided by integrity and accountability, insisting that leaders must be transparent in public communication. Governance must come with honour. When you are the governor of the state, be truthful to the people.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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