From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has dismissed recent reports claiming the state’s debt rose from ₦122.5 billion to ₦187.5 billion between September and December 2024, calling these claims false.
Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, made this clear in a statement released to journalists in Makurdi on Saturday. He described the story as a fallacy, cooked up by “our bitter exiles who seek to mislead the public and undermine the progress of our administration.”
Kula explained that these critics are enemies of Benue State, determined to damage the reputation of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, a leader he says is performing well. “Their aim is to paint a distorted picture of his leadership before the public and national authorities,” he said. However, he added, “this attempt, like others before it, has backfired spectacularly.”
He pointed out that former Governor Samuel Ortom had publicly admitted to leaving a debt of ₦187.5 billion. This was widely reported and contradicts the new claims. “The question arises: how did these detractors arrive at a supposed ₦65 billion increase, from ₦122.5 billion to ₦187.5 billion?” Kula asked.
He stressed that in over one year and eight months in office, Governor Alia’s administration has not borrowed money or issued bonds from any bank or financial institution. Kula expressed disappointment at declining journalistic standards in Nigeria. He urged journalists and media outlets to verify facts before publishing, sticking to ethical principles.
Kula reaffirmed that Governor Alia’s government is focused on transparency and accountability. “We will not be distracted by the malicious fabrications of cynical malcontents who wish to see our state falter,” he concluded.