April 10, (THEWILL) – The Directorate of Communication for incoming governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has raised the alarm that the House of Assembly may collude with outgoing Governor Samuel Ortom, to pass a law that will place ex-governors, starting with him, on gratuity, pension and other benefits.
In a statement in Makurdi, on Monday, the Director of Communications, Mr Tersoo Kula, alleged that though the bill is yet to be presented and read for the first time on the floor of the Assembly, its passage before May 29 into law would allow departing Governor Ortom to go with some choice properties of government in his possession as his post-service package.
Kula said, “According to the bill, Governor Ortom should be built a mansion of his taste in any part of the country he chooses to stay after leaving Government House. His medical trips with those of his family members would be footed by the state in addition to a jumbo monthly pay package.”
According to Mr Kula, findings revealed that members of the Benue House of Assembly are disposed to passing the bill, but on condition that the Governor parts with some gratifications before they will initiate action.
“Consequently, is it not appalling that Ortom, who has, throughout his time as Governor, treated pensioners with utmost neglect that sledge many of them into destitution, now wants to be a pensioner?” Mr Kula asked.
Kula called on “all citizens of conscience to intervene by restraining their representatives at the Benue State House of Assembly from initiating any action,” that will facilitate passing the bill in order not to deepen what Kula described as despondency of the state.
However, in a swift reaction, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr Wuese Orshi, debunked the story.
He said, “I have seen such a publication but so far, as I know, the 9th Benue State House of Assembly is not in receipt of such a bill.
“I have not cared to respond to the mischievous publication because it bothers more on the Governor and so, have left it for his media handlers to either respond or ignore it,” he stated.
