Benue Govt Refutes Ballooning Debt, Says We’ve not Borrowed Under Alia
The Benue State Government has refuted recent media reports suggesting that the state’s debt profile has risen from ₦122.5 billion to ₦187.5 billion between September and December 2024.
In a statement released by Mr. Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Hyacinth Alia, described the reports as a “complete fallacy” aimed at misleading the public and undermining the progress of the current administration.
According to Kula, the reports are the handiwork of adversaries of the state who seek to tarnish the image of Governor Alia for their own selfish interests.
He pointed out that the alleged increase in debt is not supported by facts, and that the previous administration, led by Governor Samuel Ortom, had already acknowledged a debt burden of ₦187.5 billion before leaving office in May 2023.
“It is instructive to note that since coming into power over one year and ten months ago, the Alia-led administration has not borrowed any money or raised a bond from any bank or financial institution.
“The question is, how did these detractors derive their figure of a ₦65 billion increase in debt, from ₦122.5 billion to ₦187.5 billion? The truth cannot be suppressed. We will continue to expose these falsehoods for what they are,” Kula said.
The CPS emphasized that the Alia administration remains committed to transparency and accountability in governance and will not be distracted by false reports. He called on journalists and media organizations to adhere to the ethical standards of their profession by verifying facts before publication.
