‘Where is my house?’ – Ortom questions Alia over denial of ex-governor’s benefits

Samuel Ortom, former governor of Benue State, has accused his successor, Hyacinth Alia, of withdrawing benefits he was entitled to as an ex-governor, including a residential house and annual medical check-ups.

Ortom made the allegation during an interview with Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, where he discussed the benefits provided for former governors under the law.

The former governor said the Alia-led administration had denied him the entitlements approved by the Benue State House of Assembly.

He maintained that the benefits were provided for by state law, accusing the government of failing to honour the provisions governing the welfare of former governors.

Ortom added that his monthly salary was less than N600,000, adding that it was no different from what other governors earned.

“He cancelled it. There is no financial entitlement,” Ortom said.

“When he came, nothing. The law that was enacted by the house of assembly, you take your salary. The salary of a governor, I think, is little.

“My salary cannot be different from any other governor. The salary of a governor is less than 600,000 a month.”

The ex-governor also said he is entitled to a house in Abuja or any other part of the country of his choice.

He said he is still living in Games Village, Abuja, where he has resided since 2008, when he served as the national auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“Well, I was supposed to be provided with a house. You have seen me here in my Games Village house. Which ex-governor is living in Games Village? The whole of this country, in Abuja here, which governor is living in Games Village?” he said.

“You have seen me here. I’ve been here since 2008, when I was national auditor of PDP. How many people have remained here? Many people have come here to challenge me.”

Ortom said the arrangement was for him to receive a house in Abuja or any other location of his choosing.

He added that the benefits also included annual medical check-up at a hospital of his choice, either in Nigeria or abroad, with the cost covered by the state government.

“I’m telling you what was obtainable,” he said.

“I was supposed to have a free medical check every year, in any place of my choice. Whether in Nigeria or outside the country. Paid by the state government.”

Ortom, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was Benue governor from 2015 to 2023. Alia, his successor, belongs to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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