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In a swift and decisive ruling, a Makurdi High Court has mandated the Benue State Government to immediately settle a judgment debt of approximately N57 million owed to former Chief of Staff Terwase Orbunde and 13 other officials who served under ex-Governor Samuel Ortom. Justice Kevin Mbanongun directed Fidelity Bank to enforce the garnishee order, ensuring full compliance within five hours of service.
The affected former appointees include prominent figures such as Sen. Titus Zam, Simon Abua, Emmanuel Manger, Prof. Jonathan Uever, Dr. Mathew Mnyam, and Tahav Agerzua, among others. Their counsel, Barr. Ocha Ulegede, initiated the garnishee proceedings after the government allegedly failed to honor a December 2024 court judgment awarding the group unpaid severance benefits accrued during their tenure.
Speaking on the development, Mr. Agerzua described the ruling as “justice well served,” emphasizing that the officials had patiently awaited settlement for months. The garnishee order effectively freezes relevant state accounts until the debt is cleared, placing significant pressure on the current administration to act promptly.
The case highlights ongoing financial obligations from previous administrations and raises questions about fiscal management and the prioritization of legacy liabilities. While the Hyacinth Alia-led government has focused on infrastructure and industrial revival, this legal setback underscores the challenges of balancing new initiatives with outstanding commitments.
As the five-hour deadline looms, all eyes are on the state’s compliance. Failure to meet the court’s directive could lead to further legal and financial repercussions. This ruling serves as a reminder that judicial pronouncements on public funds demand swift and transparent action, regardless of political transitions.
