Political Tension In Benue As Ortom Attacks Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia Over Obi

OpenLife News reports that former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has fired back at Governor Hyacinth Alia over accusations that he facilitated the visit of National Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the state last Tuesday.

Speaking through his media aide, Terver Akase, Ortom said it would have been “petty and shameful” for him to deny Obi transport while the former Anambra governor was in Benue on a humanitarian visit to Internally Displaced Persons.

What happened
Obi’s visit to Makurdi was disrupted when his convoy was blocked by youths around Gyado Villa, a few kilometres from the airport.

He was scheduled to proceed to Yelewata for a condolence visit to families of victims of the June 2025 massacre.

Following the incident, Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, alleged that Ortom was behind the visit.

Tersoo claimed Ortom provided the Toyota Land Cruiser SUV with plate number ABUJA: GWA 608 BT used to convey Obi from Makurdi Airport. He said FRSC records linked the vehicle to Ortom’s Judges Quarters address in Makurdi.“Benue State Government has commenced an investigation into the alleged incident,” Tersoo said.

“How can someone who publicly says he is working for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu make his vehicle available for another presidential candidate?”

Ortom’s response
Ortom dismissed the allegations as “ridiculous, politically immature and intellectually dishonest.”“Peter Obi is a former governor, a presidential candidate and one of the most prominent political figures in the country.

Imagine how it would have sounded if Chief Ortom had refused to assist him with transportation while he was in Benue on a humanitarian mission,” Akase quoted him as saying.

“Extending such a courtesy should ordinarily have been the responsibility of the Benue State Government itself, given the status of the visitor.

That the Alia administration is now trying to make a controversy out of what was merely a humane, courteous and statesmanlike gesture exposes the poverty of its argument.”On claims that he is “double-faced”, Ortom said it was laughable.

“I am a man of my word. In 2023 I publicly declared support for Obi. Today I have declared support for President Tinubu. I will always stand by any candidate I publicly declare support for,” he said.

Political tension in Benue
The exchange marks the latest round in the feud between Alia and his predecessor. The state government insists the investigation will continue, while Ortom maintains his action was simply hospitality across party lines.

“In other climes, leaders are commended for extending courtesies across political divides, not vilified for doing so,” the statement added.