Ortom: When grace speaks for a man

The supremacy of God over the affairs of mere mortals will never go out of fashion. It is an immutable fact that divine grace speaks for humans in diverse ways in their callings and endeavors and until we come to terms with this reality, we may never be at peace with ourselves.

Benue’s political space has in the past few days, and at the moment become choked with arguments and counter- arguments, mostly revolving around the leadership question, especially as the build up to the 2023 election gathers steam.

We need to be conscious of the fact that leaders are ordained by God and the perceptions, reckonings and machinations of human beings can never divert the will of God. In fact, what qualifies anyone first as a leader is DIVINE GRACE (with emphasis) before any other factor may count.

A man would be born not with golden opportunities of life but through resilience and focus, God could bestow infinite blessings on him and raise him from lowly ground to serve as a leader with transforming impact in the society.

One of such leaders that has enjoyed God’s tremendous will is Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, who is guided by a philosophy that a man can receive nothing, except it is given to him from above.

Governor Ortom has never failed to acknowledge his life trajectory of living from ‘grass to grace’. He has come to epitomise the perfect example of the biblical counsel of not despising the days of one’s little beginning as stated in the scriptures in Zechariah 4:10.

Many things are inspiring about Governor Ortom’s story, the most outstanding of which are his abiding faith and enduring sense of friendship, principled and uncompromising convictions and above all, constant acknowledgement of where God’s uncommon grace has brought him in life.

When in 2014, Ortom resigned as Minister in the Federal Executive Council to seek election as Governor of Benue State, some persons were skeptical of his chances, while others outrightly wrote him off; but he won the 2015 governorship election as God predestined. The circumstances that led to his nomination on the platform of the APC and his subsequent victory at the general election clearly amplified God’s intervention.

He went on to seek reelection in 2019 on the platform of the PDP. Forces conspired against him; but again, divine grace prevailed and Ortom won overwhelmingly. When we say grace speaks for men, Governor Ortom is prominent on the list of such men.

Governor Ortom is again taking a giant leap of faith in his ambition to represent Benue North-West Senatorial district at the National Assembly come 2023. It is surprising that some naysayers are putting forward negative permutations, even as the people of Benue North-West are speaking in unison that Ortom possesses all the qualities and is worthy of representing them at the red chamber counting on God’s divine providence.

Let it be reaffirmed that Governor Ortom has never boasted or trusted in his strength or arm of the flesh, which fails. He has become a textbook example of a man who acknowledges God in his life endeavors and journey. While some trust in their chariots, Governor Ortom trusts in the name of God who gives to each and everyone according to His divine will.

When humans have put in their best in an endeavor, they should rest, feel content and allow God to give direction. For Ortom, God has proven his might in his life and looking beyond his tenure as Governor, his steps will surely be ordered by the Lord.

Of course, God’s grace is sufficient for all of us in different ways, be it in family life, politics, commerce, farming or professional calling, never underestimate anyone for when grace speaks in our lives, protocols are suspended.

So long as it pleases God through the people, Ortom is the man whose time has come to occupy the Benue North-West Senatorial seat at the National Assembly upon expiration of his tenure as Governor. Not because of his power, might or political dexterity. But by the grace of God and the will of the people.

*Nongu is Senior Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Media.

By Ushahemba Nongu