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A dramatic political revelation has emerged in Benue as Hon. Asortar James Asortar, a staunch supporter of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, publicly disclosed receiving a threat letter accompanied by ₦5 million cash and a proposed agreement from Hon. Akutah.
In a post shared on Facebook, Asortar detailed that the package included a lawyer-drafted document requesting him to sign an acknowledgment of receipt of payment in exchange for undisclosed actions—widely interpreted as an attempt to persuade him to withdraw support from the governor or switch allegiance.
“Let it be on record that I cannot and will not betray my brother and leader, His Excellency, Governor Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia,” Asortar stated emphatically. “My loyalty is unwavering, and I stand firmly by my commitment to integrity and the values we uphold.”
He further recounted past instances of similar inducements he rejected, including a multimillion-naira offer in October 2022—when he ran the influential Alia TV platform—to switch to Agate TV, as well as another overture from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Christmas Day 2024.
Asortar advised Hon. Akutah to verify his track record with former Governor Samuel Ortom, noting his consistent refusal to compromise his support for Governor Alia despite repeated financial temptations.
“I will continue to act in the best interest of Benue State and remain steadfast in my support for Governor Alia,” he concluded.
The disclosure has sparked widespread reactions across political circles in Benue, with supporters of the governor hailing Asortar’s stance as a demonstration of loyalty and principle, while others view it as evidence of deepening intra-party tensions and attempts at political horse-trading ahead of future elections.
Neither Hon. Akutah nor the governor’s media office has issued an official response to the allegations at the time of this report. The incident adds to the growing narrative of high-stakes political maneuvering in the state as the 2027 governorship race draws nearer.
