There were 7 attempts on my life in 8 years — Gov Ortom

In this interview, outgoing Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State speaks about his trials and triumphs as he bows out tomorrow after eight years in the saddle.

You’re leaving office in a couple of days can you share with us what gave you joy and what saddened you in the last eight years as governor­

First of all, I want to appreciate God Almighty for helping me thus far. I’ve been here on a divine mandate because I saw that I would be governor in 1992 when I was local government chairman. I proclaimed it and told everyone that cared to listen to me and it came to pass and although it came through a very turbulent situation of time. Even in 2015 it was not easy but by the grace of God, I made it. To further confirm that it is a divine mandate, in 2017, I chose that I would not contest for a second term, that I would finish my first term and by the grace of God leave for another person but God’s divine arrangement was not what I thought. God told me he was not done with me that I would contest and win. And I proclaimed it to the people, I told them it was more turbulent than 2015. All the might that you know, the federal might, the state might, the local might, whatever might came against me but I still made it. So, I give glory to God for making it possible.

Throughout my tenure for about eight years, it has not been easy. I have passed through challenges just like the Psalmist said, -Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because God is with me, His rod and his staff will comfort me and he will prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies and anoint my head, my cup will run over and surely his mercies and goodness shall follow me all the days of my life, that is what I have seen. I’ve gone through very turbulent times. Many people around here and the federal level even attempted to even remove me as governor through illegal means but they were unable to do it.

The terrorist Fulani’s attempted to assassinate me seven good times but God preserved my life, they were not able to get me. All I have to say is that I’m grateful to Almighty God for helping me.

What are your regrets?

No regrets. Given another opportunity I will still stand strong to defend my people to ensure equity justice and fairness, I won’t do anything different. Some people think that my people betrayed me because I lost my Senatorial election. My people did not betray me; this is an opportunity for them to see the kind of leadership I gave them. I can boldly say that I’ve not committed any crime against humanity, I have not killed, I have not spilled blood, I have not defiled anybody’s child, I have not defiled anybody’s wife, I have not stolen money from government, people can say what they want but I have not stolen any money from government.

READ THE FULL STORY IN VANGUARD