By David Kabiyesi
Irked by the ongoing show of supremacy between ex-governor, Samuel Ortom and his successor, Hyacinth Alia, the state People Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Alia of witch-hunting his predecessor, iwitnesslive.com can report.
Recalled that the state Asset Recovery Committee set up by Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, on Tuesday, raided Samuel Ortom’s automobile shop and carted away vehicles reportedly belonging to the state.
There were reports that the armed-to-the-teeth committee, in a desperate effort to carry out the Governor’s order, compelled towing van drivers to pull out some of the vehicles with dead engines.
PDP State Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, described the committee’s outing as “a shameful showing of naked tyranny and impunity.”
“Earlier on Tuesday, thugs accompanied by security agents purporting to be on an assets recovery mission, raided a private automobile workshop owned by the former governor’s business concern, Oracle Nig. Ltd., carting away motor vehicles at the premises of the workshop.”
“Staff of the workshop has confirmed to PDP that the vehicles, of a yet-to-be-ascertained number, were those brought there for repairs by private owners and are not in any wise from any public source.
“PDP notes that this is yet another manifestation of disregard for the rule of law by the Benue State Governor, considering there is a subsisting court order barring his government from tampering with the assets of the former governor, specifically motor vehicles.”
iwitnesslive.com gathered that Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, accused Ortom of looting 29 vehicles belonging to the Benue state government.
“The case of the government house is particularly pitiable with vandalized furniture, window blinds, electronics, and other household appliances.
“This is besides the carting away of all vehicles including an ambulance and press crew bus attached to the office of the governor. At the last count, 29 vehicles attached to the governor’s office are still nowhere to be found.” Kula said in a statement made available to the press.
