Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Since her declaration to contest for the Benue North-West Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections, Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom has undoubtedly become a major force in the political landscape of Zone B. Her entrance into the race has not only energized her supporters but has also created visible anxiety among her opponents, many of whom have resorted to blackmail, misinformation, and campaigns of calumny in a desperate attempt to diminish her growing popularity.
Yet, one fact remains undeniable: Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom has earned a place in the hearts of many through years of selfless service, compassion, and commitment to humanity. Her record speaks louder than the noise of political detractors.
Throughout the eight years she spent in the corridors of power as the wife of former Governor Samuel Ortom, she never allowed power to corrupt her. Unlike many who become disconnected from the people once they attain influence, Dr. Mrs. Ortom remained accessible, humble, and committed to the welfare of the less privileged in the state. Even after the end of her husband’s administration, she continues to enjoy widespread support, admiration, and respect across Benue State and beyond.
As a mother, she demonstrated genuine care for children entrusted to her, and as a philanthropist, she consistently stood with the needy, vulnerable, and downtrodden. Her passion for uplifting lives was not limited to words; it was reflected in practical interventions that touched many lives.
Indeed, her eight years as the wife of the governor can rightly be described as one of the most impactful periods in the history of the Office of the First Lady in Benue State. Before 2015 – 2023, many citizens hardly felt the impact of that office. However, Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom introduced new ideas, new standards, and a new definition of service that brought dividends of democracy closer to the people. She transformed the position into a platform for advocacy, empowerment, and humanitarian service.
Today, she has left behind a vacuum that remains difficult to fill.
One of her most enduring legacies is the empowerment of Benue people, especially women and youths. She facilitated employment opportunities for many both within and outside the state and empowered countless others with the tools and resources needed for self-reliance and economic independence.
Through her foundation – Eunice Spring of Life Foundation (ESLF), she empowered thousands of youths and women through skills acquisition programmes, entrepreneurship support, and capacity-building initiatives that promoted self-sufficiency and economic growth.
It is therefore surprising that some political opponents seek to ridicule a woman whose life has been defined by service and sacrifice. Unfortunately for them, goodwill built through years of positive impact cannot be erased by propaganda or political attacks. The footprints of genuine service remain visible long after campaigns of falsehood have faded.
Perhaps the greatest burden before her opponents is their attempt to link her directly to every aspect of the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom. Such arguments ignore constitutional realities. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria neither recognizes the Office of the First Lady as a government office nor provides budgetary allocations for it. This position was further reinforced by former President Muhammadu Buhari who made it clear that his wife should simply be addressed as the wife of the President, just as governors’ wives are wives of governors and not government officials.
While Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom supported her husband as a spouse and partner, she was not part of the constitutional structure of government responsible for policy formulation or implementation.
Furthermore, no government is without challenges. There has never been an administration that succeeded in every sector or one that failed in every area. While the Ortom administration faced challenges, particularly in the payment of salaries and pensions which was not peculiar to Benue State, it also recorded significant achievements in security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, and healthcare.
The strengths and weaknesses of any administration should be assessed fairly and objectively. It would be unjust to attribute every challenge faced by a government to a woman whose primary focus was humanitarian service and social intervention.
Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom was not merely a supportive spouse; she was a pillar of hope to many citizens of Benue State particularly the youths and women. Through her initiatives and outreach programmes, she worked tirelessly to uplift lives and create opportunities for those who needed them most.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the people of Benue North-West Senatorial District must carefully scrutinize those seeking their mandate. Character, capacity, compassion, and proven service should remain key considerations.
For Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom, her record stands tall. She is tested and trusted. Just as she built productive partnerships with local and international organizations through the Eunice Spring of Life Foundation to attract development and opportunities to Benue State, there is every reason to believe that she would bring the same commitment, passion, and effectiveness to the Senate.
The people of Zone B deserve quality representation that will attract development, protect their interests, and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every community. Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom has demonstrated throughout her public life that service to humanity is not merely a slogan for her but a lifelong commitment.
As we journey towards 2027, one fact remains evident: the challenge before her opponents is not merely how to defeat a candidate, but how to overcome the goodwill, credibility, and humanitarian legacy that Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom has built over the years. In politics, reputations can be attacked, but genuine impact is far more difficult to erase.