Explain how you diverted Benue’s N2b, Ortom tells Akume

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has asked Senator George Akume to explain how he diverted N2 billion belonging to the state government.

He accused him of diverting the money while he was governor of the state, without approval by the then state House of Assembly.

According to the governor, Akume used the state’s money to pursue his personal ambition of becoming the senate president in 2007.

Akume had, in an interview with newsmen at his residence in Makurdi, alleged that the governor has not accounted for the over N500 billion that has accrued to the state since he assumed office.

He also apologised on behalf of the Benue people for bringing Ortom to government, accusing him of performing below expectation.

But, Ortom who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Information Communication Technology (ICT), Tahav Agerzua, indicted Akume for arrogating to himself powers of a god.

He said Akume’s fight against Ortom was for selfish reasons and not because he has not actually performed.

Agerzua insisted that Akume diverted the money shortly before his exit as governor, adding that Akume’s regime was riddled with massive corruption.

“Akume had enjoyed many privileges from the people of Benue who voted him as governor for two terms, and senator three times such that he ought to respect every Benue citizen.

“Akume’s criticism of Ortom has nothing to do with performance, but everything to do with his position on subservience and subjugation to his whims and caprices,” he said.

Ortom added that it has become a trend for Nigerian godfathers to suffocate their godchildren for failing to be totally slavish to them.

He added: “This is unfortunate of godfathers who arrogate the powers of god to themselves, like it happened in Lagos State.”

He urged the Benue people to withdraw their support for Akume to make him come to his senses.