The former governor of Benue State, Ortom, is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), according to reliable sources. Ortom was invited by the anti-graft body for questioning regarding his tenure as governor.
At approximately 10:08 a.m., Ortom arrived at the Makurdi zonal office of the EFCC, located on Alor Gordon Street in the state capital. Accompanied by his media aide, Terver Akase, and principal special assistant on special duties, Abraham Kwanhgu, he walked into the building. As of the time of this report at 12:00 p.m., he had not left the premises.
Earlier, Ortom had handed over a comprehensive debt profile of N187.7 billion to the administration of Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia. During a ceremony held at the old banquet hall of the Government House in Makurdi, he presented three volumes of handover notes summarizing his eight-year administration.
Ortom informed Alia that the state’s total income during his tenure amounted to N734.9 billion as of April 2023. However, the state’s total debt, including unpaid salaries, pension arrears, loans, and bonds, stood at N187.7 billion.
He also revealed a debt swap or reduction arrangement of N97.716 billion between the state and the federal government. With an expected inflow of N48 billion and a negotiated debt reduction, the debt swap would bring down the state’s total debt profile to N45.2 billion.
Furthermore, Ortom disclosed that his administration had secured approval for a N41 billion loan and a N20 billion investment. These measures were aimed at addressing the state’s financial challenges and stimulating development.
The investigation by the EFCC into Ortom’s stewardship is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
