Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Miss Rachael Tsehemba Tordue, a young woman from Ugondo in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, has returned to thank the immediate past Governor of the state, Chief Samuel Ortom, for intervening after she was bitten by a snake.
Rachael was reportedly turned away by a public hospital after her family could not afford the cost of treatment. Bleeding severely, her parents sought help at Chief Ortom’s Judges’ Quarters residence in Makurdi.
Moved by her condition, Chief Ortom’s former Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Terver Akase, quickly sought his intervention. Ortom immediately directed that the case be followed up, leading to Rachael receiving free anti-snake venom and other medical care. She has since recovered and is now healthy.
Receiving Rachael and her family, Ortom thanked God for her recovery, stressing that helping people in distress should not be influenced by politics or expectations of reward.
“I am happy that you are alive and have recovered. Life is precious, and whenever we have the opportunity to help someone in distress, we should do so.
“I did not do this because of politics or because I expected anything in return. She needed help, and we were in a position to assist. I thank God for using us to contribute to saving her life.
“My prayer is that you have fully recovered and will return to your normal life. I encourage your family to continue to follow the advice of the medical professionals.”
Ortom also appreciated his aides, Dr. Terver Akase and Zege Paul, for following up on the case to its conclusion.
“Again, I appreciate my aides, Dr. Terver Akase and Zege Paul, who followed up on the case to the end. A leader must have people around him who genuinely want him or her to succeed. May God bless them too,” he said.
Rachael and her family expressed gratitude to Ortom for his timely intervention, which they said helped save her life.