Samuel Ortom, the former Governor of Benue State, is currently being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the anti-graft body, for questioning regarding his tenure as governor.
News About Nigeria reports that Ortom arrived at the Makurdi zonal office of the agency, located on Alor Gordon Street in the state capital, at precisely 10:08 am and walked directly into the building.
Accompanying him were his media aide, Terver Akase, and Principal Special Assistant on Special Duties, Abraham Kwanhgu.
As of the time of this report, Ortom had not left the premises.
During a ceremony held at the old banquet hall of the Government House in Makurdi, Ortom handed over three volumes of debt profiles amounting to N187.7 billion to Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, the current governor.
The handover notes summarized Ortom’s eight years in office, stating that the total income of the state during his tenure reached N734.9 billion as of April 2023, while the accumulated debt, including unpaid salaries, pension arrears, loans, and bonds, stood at N187.7 billion.
Samuel Ortom also informed his successor about a debt swap/reduction agreement worth N97.716 billion between the state and the Federal Government, which, after an expected inflow of N48 billion, would lower the negotiated debt to N45.2 billion, thereby reducing the state’s overall debt profile.
In addition, Ortom revealed that his administration had already obtained approval for a N41 billion loan and a N20 billion facility from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
He urged Alia’s administration to work towards the release of these funds once they assume office.
