Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The Senatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Benue North-West, Dr. Eunice Ortom, on Monday visited Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State to seek the prayers, blessings and support of her people as she continues her journey towards the 2027 senatorial election.
The visit, which began with an interface with the Mbalyungo Sub- Kindred of Tijime Council ward, provided an opportunity for elders and traditional leaders to formally receive and bless their daughter. The District Head, Chief Celestine Tsokar, speaking through the elders, invoked blessings upon Dr. Eunice Ortom and her aspiration, describing the moment as a demonstration of divine favour and acceptance giving the downpour. He prayed that the journey would be accompanied by God’s blessings and success.
Dr. Eunice Ortom subsequently proceeded to meet with royal fathers across Gwer West, where Mue Ter Mbakpa, Chief Peter Ormin, and Mue Ter Raav, Chief Lawrence Jir, offered prayers and blessings for her. The traditional rulers recalled her contributions to the people of Gwer West and described her as a daughter whose life and service had brought honour and blessings to the community. They assured her of their collective prayers and support as she seeks to advance to the National Assembly and continue serving humanity.
The royal fathers thereafter handed her over to the Tor Gwer, Chief Julius Aondona Adaga, who is also the biological father of the Senatorial Candidate. In his blessing, the traditional ruler charged Dr. Eunice Ortom to remain focused and excel in the National Assembly, expressing confidence that her journey had received the blessings of God and the ancestors would ultimately culminate in thanksgiving and praise.
Speaking during the visit, PDP leader and former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, expressed profound appreciation to the people of Gwer West for the love and blessings he and his wife have continued to receive since he married their daughter. He said the decision by party elders from Zone B to adopt Dr. Eunice Ortom as the consensus candidate was informed by her upbringing, character and the values she had acquired over the years, particularly the culture of putting humanity first and living with the fear of God.
Chief Ortom said he had enjoyed the support and goodwill of the people of Gwer West from time immemorial and would never take their love for granted. He described Gwer West as his home, noting that, in keeping with Tiv tradition, his wife’s home had become his third home after his father’s and mother’s homes.
Responding, Dr. Eunice Ortom expressed deep gratitude to her fathers and elders for the upbringing and values they had given her. She said the lessons of humility, service, respect for humanity and the fear of God instilled in her from childhood had continued to shape her life and public service.
The Senatorial Candidate assured the elders and traditional rulers that they would remain an integral part of her journey if given the mandate. She pledged to continually return to them for their counsel and wisdom, stressing that their experience would remain invaluable as she discharges the responsibilities that may come with the office.
At an interaction with PDP faithful across the local government, Dr. Eunice Ortom was received with enthusiasm as party supporters defied the rain to gather, cheer and interact with her. The gathering further demonstrated the enthusiasm within the party as she continues her engagements across the senatorial district.
The Chairman of the PDP in Gwer West, Hon. Tersoor Dwem, alongside the party leader, Hon. Pius Gugu,reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to the party and Dr. Eunice Ortom. They declared that Gwer West remained home and would continue to work with Dr. Eunice Ortom and her husband towards strengthening the party and restoring it to victory.
The occasion also witnessed the presentation of a large number of defectors from various political parties who expressed their decision to return to the PDP and contribute to the party’s campaign for the victory of Dr. Eunice Ortom and other PDP candidates in the state.
Speaking on behalf of Raav, Mbakpa and the women, Elders Bernard Utim, Dennis Akaa and Hon. Mrs Rhoda Awuna respectively assured the Senatorial Candidate of their readiness to mobilise the people of Gwer West for the party and her candidacy, pledging continued support as the campaign progresses.