From Rose Ejembi, Gboko
THE Tor Tiv V, Ochivrigh Prof. James Ayatse, has promised to take a bold step in addressing the incessant crises between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in the state by encouraging the passage of the bill on ranching already before the State House of Assembly.
The Tor Tiv made this known yesterday during his coronation as the 5th Begha u Tiv, held in Gboko Local Government Area, the traditional headquarters of the Tiv nation.
Stressing that the Tiv nation was central to Federal Government’s vision of economic diversification, which is tied to agriculture, Ayatse said the Tiv Traditional Council under his watch would provide the platform and enlist all Tiv sons and daughters to participate actively in the efforts to restore, build and restructure the Tiv nation.
Ayatse, who lamented that despite being the fourth largest ethnic group in the country, the Tiv people were not represented at the Federal Executive Council (FEC), called on the acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to ensure the appointment of Tivs into federal positions.
“As you take stock and make your next series of appointments, kindly be reminded that the Tiv nation is not represented in FEC and have not benefited from any appointment at the federal level. No Tiv man has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of any federal parastatal in the current dispensation. We believe God will help you to correct this marginalisation,” he said. In his speech, acting President Osinbajo who was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, congratulated Ayatse on his elevation to the exalted stool. Ogbe promised to convey the message of the Tiv nation to the Federal Government.
Presenting the staff of office to the paramount ruler, the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom said the new Tor Tiv possesses the virtues of selflessness, forthrightness and non-partisanship with the willingness to work for the collective good of the state and Nigeria.
The governor, who assured of his administration’s continued support and collaboration with traditional institutions for the benefit of the state, called on Nigerians to support the call for ranching as a lasting solution to the incessant farmers/herders clashes in the country.
Sultan of Sokoto, HRM Saa’d Abubakar, who lamented the wave of insecurity in the country, expressed hope that the coronation of the new Tor Tiv would mark a new dawn for Tiv nation and Nigeria as a whole.
“The love between Fulani and Tiv should be rekindled. We will go extra miles to ensure there is peace between Fulani and Tiv. We have had enough of shedding of innocent blood. We will seek for solution to the problems of the country by bringing peace in our communities,” the Sultan said.
Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, in his remark, appealed to Tivs to live peacefully with their Fulani brothers, pointing out that the Tor Tiv occupies a very important position in Nigeria.
Also speaking, Senate President Bukola Saraki said the Federal Government would address the cries and concerns of the Tiv nation.
Speaker of the House of Representative, Yakubu Dogara, called on the paramount ruler to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the Tiv nation, stressing that he has all it takes to address the challenges bedeviling his people. The Chairman, Governors Forum, Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State pledged the support of all the governors towards wiping the tears of the Tiv nation.
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