Benue: Suswam left N90b debt, says Ortom

Two weeks after he was sworn-in, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State is already lamenting because of the huge debt left by his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam.
Ortom, who spoke during a meeting with activists, students and opinion leaders in Makurdi, the state capital, said it was unfortunate that his administration would battle with the N90 billion debt left behind by Suswam.
To the governor, the debt may even be more “after all the files have been checked”.
The debts, according to him, include N50 billion for ongoing contracts, N18 billion for certified ones, N12 billion for salary arrears and N10 billion for bonds and bank loans.
He revealed that for him to pay salary of workers, he must borrow “at least to pay one month’s salary across board and also ensure the take-off of executive and legislative arms. I have received offers from some banks and will soon approach the House of Assembly for approval to obtain a loan”.
He, therefore, appealed to the striking university lecturers to call off their strike.
“This administration will do something about their matter. I appeal to them to please call off their strike,” he said.