I got divine clearance to seek for second term – Ortom

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, yesterday, has finally indicated interest to re-contest election as governor in 2019, saying he received a divine clearance to do so after praying and fasting.

Ortom had said on September 11, this year, that despite pressure mounting on him to re-contest in 2019, he was yet to start praying to God for a second tenure.

The governor, who had quoted from the Holy Bible that, “A man shall receive nothing, except it is given to him from above,” insisted that he would seek God’s face and once divine approval was given, he would contest and win.

However, Ortom, yesterday, told stakeholders from the Masev, Iharev and Nongov Development Association (MINDA) geo-political axis, which comprises of Gwer, Gwer West, Makurdi and Guma local government areas, that he was now ready for re-election.

Ortom further expressed delight that the revelation for him to run for a second term coincided with the call of the MINDA people, who were at the Government House in Makurdi for an endorsement rally organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He, therefore, appealed to other MINDA kinsmen who were eying the seat to shelve such plans and join him to complete the work of building Benue State in order to enhance the welfare of the people.

Ortom promised that those from the zone who heeded the advice to step down for him, irrespective of political affiliation, would be offered political appointments such as ministers of the Federal Republic, among others.

Earlier, Chief Akange Audu, who spoke for the group, said the people of MINDA had spoken with one voice because Ortom had performed creditably and deserved another term to complete his good work. Similarly, the Idomaspeaking APC members from Benue South, led by the Zonal Chairman, Mr. Hassan Muhammed, had also trooped into Makurdi where they endorsed the governor for a second term.