The Federal Government is frustrating efforts by Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom to access funds meant to clear the backlog of salaries and pension of state and local government workers in the state, the state government has alleged.
Featuring on current affairs programme of Brothers FM 90.5FM, ‘Burning Issues’ on Monday, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Terver Akase described as punitive, the decision of the Federal Government to block the state government from accessing the N41 billion loan approved by its House of Assembly.
He berated the Muhammadu Buhari administration for “victimising Ortom on critical issues of governance, including security and the welfare of the people”.
The Governor’s spokesman expressed displeasure over what he described as the “insensitivity of some Benue politicians who are collaborating with the Federal Government to play politics with the welfare of workers and retirees”, describing such conspirators as enemies of the state.
He stated the Governor was not relenting on his efforts, saying he remains committed to the welfare of the people, and that the payment of salaries, pensions and gratuity was ongoing, despite the frustration faced by the state government.
Akase challenged the main opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress to be more constructive in criticising policies and programmes of the Ortom administration, and not rely on falsehood, campaign of calumny and mischief.
Commenting on the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff University Union, Akase described the situation as unfortunate and called on the Federal Government to properly fund education and honour its agreements with labour unions.
He reaffirmed Ortom’s belief in fairness, justice and equity, saying the Governor has placed education on the front burner. He cited the placement of salaries of Benue State University academic and non-academic staff on the first line charge.
Reacting to the incessant media attacks on Ortom by the Presidency, the Special Adviser said the presidential media team has tagged the Governor as an enemy because of his position on critical national issues, saying he was only speaking the minds of all Nigerians.
Akase maintained that the attacks would not stop the Governor from speaking the truth as he has chosen to be the voice of the voiceless and a social crusader against injustice and inequality, challenging the presidential media team to take Ortom’s messages and redeem the image of the President rather than make him the subject of attacks.
Akase noted that Ortom’s foreign trips were yielding positive results as his bilateral relations with people have attracted foreign investments in the state, pointing out that such initiatives would improve the state’s economy and by extension the lives of the people.
While refuting allegations by the opposition that the state government had received N17 billion without accounting for it, the Special Adviser challenged those who made the claim to bring evidence of financial impropriety against the Governor.
He reaffirmed that the financial records of the state government were open to public scrutiny and further challenged those interested to go to the Ministry of Finance and other relevant government agencies.
Source: THISDAY
