The Benue State Government has clarified that since assuming office over one year and eight months ago, the Governor Hyacinth Alia led administration has not borrowed any money or raised a bond from any bank or financial institution.
Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula made this clarification in a statement issued on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The clarification follows the recent reports alleging that the debt profile of Benue State climbed from ₦122.5 billion to ₦187.5 billion from September to December 2024.
Sir Kula stated that the narrative was a fallacy, concocted by the stste’s bitter exiles who seek to mislead the public and undermine the progress being made by the administration.
“It is evident that these adversaries of Benue State are intent on tarnishing the image of our performing governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. Their aim is to paint a distorted picture of his leadership before the public and national authorities.
“However, as in their numerous previous attempts, this attempt too has backfired spectacularly.
“Let us recall that Governor Alia’s predecessor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, in one of his futile attempts to deny the real debt burden he left for the state after his departure in May 2024, openly acknowledged a debt burden of ₦187.5 billion. This fact was widely reported and stands in stark contrast to the claims being made now.
“The question arises: how did these detractors derive their figure of a ₦65 billion increase in debt, from ₦122.5billion to ₦187.5 billion?
“It is instructive to note that since coming into powers over one year and eight months, the Alia led administration has not borrowed any money or raised a bond from any bank or financial institution,” he noted.
While stating that the truth could not be suppressed, Sir Kula assured that the administration would continue to expose the falsehoods for what they are.
He said it is disheartening to witness the erosion of journalistic integrity in the country, therefore, urged the journalists and media houses to adhere to the ethical standards of their profession by verifying facts before publication.
The CPS said Governor Alia’s administration remains committed to transparency and accountability in governance, and would not be distracted by the malicious fabrications of cynical malcontents who wish to see the state falter.
