Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has accused his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, of cancelling his post-tenure entitlements, including a house and annual medical check-ups funded by the state government. Ortom made the allegations during an interview with Channels Television’s Political Paradigm.
Ortom said the benefits were provided for under a law enacted by the Benue State House of Assembly. According to him, he was entitled to a house in Abuja or another location of his choice, as well as yearly medical examinations at a hospital in Nigeria or abroad, with the state government covering the cost.
The former governor, who served from 2015 to 2023, said he still lives in Games Village, Abuja, where he has resided since 2008. He questioned why he had not received the housing benefit despite serving two terms as governor.
Ortom also disclosed that his monthly salary as governor was less than ₦600,000, arguing that his post-tenure benefits were separate entitlements provided under the law. He further stated that he was supposed to have a free medical check every year in any place of his choice, whether in Nigeria or outside the country, paid for by the state government.
