Stakeholders charge voters over collection of PVCs as Tiv Community celebrates day in Taraba
Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
As 2023 general elections draw nearer, stake holders in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State, have called on electorates to ensure that they collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to enable them participate fully in the general elections.
Speaking at the 22nd Annual Tiv Cultural Day Celebration and conferment of traditional titles on deserving Tiv sons of Bali , held at the Tiv Traditional Leaders Council Hall, Angwan Tiv Bali, in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State, the leaders described PVC as the only powerful weapon, through which people could enthroned candidates and political parties of their choice in elections.
Addressing guests at the occasion, the chairman, Caretaker Committee of Bali Local Government Council, Hon. Micah Dakka, applauded the Tiv community for their unquenchable unity and love for one another and urged them to collect their PVCs to enable them vote massively for PDP candidates in the forth coming elections.
The chairman who said he would continue to cherish the tradition and cultural heritage of the Tiv people, also advised people of the area to continue to be security conscious and always liaise with security agencies to fish out unscrupulous elements who aim at disrupting the peaceful coexistence of the people.
“As the 2023 election is fast approaching, I want to believe that the entire Tiv people are part and parcel of this administration. I am therefore calling on you to ensure that you collect your PVCs and play your politics without rancor, hatred or bitterness.
“I also want to use this opportunity to extend my gratitude and total loyalty to the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Arc Darius Dickson Ishaku for the opportunity he has given us to serve the good people of Bali Local Government Area”. He added.
The Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Col. Agbu Kefas who was represented by the elder statesman, Elder Teghtegh Shaakaa, called on the Tiv people to sheath their sword, obtain their PVCs and join hands with the PDP to mend broken walls so as to restore the unity that had keep the people of the state together for ages.
Accordingly, he challenged the Tiv Community to return to the old ways which they were known, and to always seek the face of God in all their dealings in order to avert some of the calamities that the Tiv nation is passing through.
Also speaking, the President General, Tiv Cultural and Social Association, Comr. Joshua Ayagwa, called on the Tiv community in Taraba State to shun all forms of bitterness that are fast disuniting them and embrace forgiveness and love for one another so as to get prepared for the general elections.
In their separate speeches at the occasion, the Candidates of APGA for Bali, Gassol seat at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Mrs. Deborah Yerima, that of the ADC for Donga, Takum Ussa and Yangtu Development Area, Hon. Solomon Peter and the candidate of APGA for the Taraba State House of Assembly representing Bali II, Hon. John Danfulani Ali, all called on the people to ensure that they obtained their PVCs to be able to vote massively for them and other candidates in their various political parties.
Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman, Bali Branch of the Tiv Cultural and Social Association, Mr. Mathew Baki, challenged voters who ignorantly refused to go out and follow electoral processes on account that their votes would not count, to turn over new leaves as the new electoral act had taken charge of such issues.
The chairman who congratulated the illustrious sons and daughters slated for conferment of traditional titles, encouraged them to make good use of the honour done them to keep the Tiv Day a long life Celebration.
Meanwhile the Bali Tiv Day, an annual event which had being celebrated for twenty two years now, is a retreat aimed at showcasing the traditional and rich cultural activities, as well as celebrating the progress that the Tiv people of Bali Local Government Area have made in their livelihood.
This year’s event featured cultural display and presentation of traditional titles to deserving sons and daughters among many other Cultural displays.
There were also paper presentations by Mr. Harris Tersoo Mela on the topic; Harnessing the Tiv Socio-Cultural and Economic Potentials for more Peaceful and Prosperous Nation and a Paper presented by Sylvanus Vitalis Mokondo on Tiv Traditional Rulers as custodians of culture.
