‘Blackmail’ — Alia says N2bn not spent on vehicles for Benue officials

Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, has debunked the allegation that his administration spent over N2 billion on vehicles for the state officials.

A report had alleged that Alia approved over N2bn for the procurement of vehicles for himself, his deputy, house of assembly members and other government officials in the state despite promising to cut the cost of governance.

Reacting to the allegation in a statement by Tersoo Kula, his chief press secretary, Alia described the report as “a blackmail”.

“Alia’s administration took off from ground zero because he did not meet any functional vehicle on assumption of office,” the statement reads.

“He continued to drive the rickety vehicles he used for his two months campaigns and had been administering the state to minimise cost so as to take care of other pressing issues.

“In fact, it’s a laughable report. It’s a blackmailing story that holds no water anywhere because Alia is the most prudent governor in the country today.”