Taraba Tiv traditional leaders advocate dialogue over Jukun/Tiv lingering crisis
Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
The Tiv Traditional Leaders’ Supreme Council, Taraba State, has frowned at the lingering crisis between the Jukun and Tiv people of the state, especially in southern Taraba and called on their Jukun brothers to open up for dialogue so as to find a common ground for lasting peace.
This is contained in a communique issued at the end of a three day workshop organized for Tiv traditional leaders by the Supreme Council of Tiv leaders in the state
The communique, signed by Chief Dr. David Gbaa Tela JP, Chairman, Tiv Traditional Leaders’ Supreme Council, Taraba State and the Secretary, Zaki Targema Ukange, commended the Governor of Taraba State Dr. Agbu Kefas, on his proactive and visionary leadership which has brought about peace, unity and stability among the entire people of Taraba State.
“We commend Governor Kefas’ inclusive governance model, which has seen the appointment of several Tiv sons and daughters into various key positions. This is an evidence of his broad-mindedness and commitment to fairness and social justice”. The Council stated.
They however, appealed with the governor to facilitate immediate return of all displaced Tiv persons to their respective ancestral homes, and to also fast tract accelerated infrastructural developments in Tiv communities.
The workshop equally, appealed with the governor, for a government-recognized Tiv Central Traditional Leadership of any status the government may deem fit.
Harping on other areas that will improve the leadership style of it’ members, the council resolved that, “Tiv Traditional leaders in Taraba State should make deliberate efforts to improve their capacities particularly in the acquisition of organizational and problem solving skill
“Tiv Traditional leaders should imbibe the principles of accountability and integrity in exercising their leadership responsibilities. They should adopt creative methods, including emotional intelligence in resolving crisis in their domains
“Tiv Traditional rulers should take advantage of emerging trends in technological innovation to ease the process of their administration, enhanced communication and access to information. They should be conscious of balancing their leadership roles and family life to avoid conflict of interest”.
The council also emphasized loyalty to traditional leadership and call on all Tiv people of the State to be loyal to Traditional leaders for the achievement of the core objectives of Traditional leadership in Taraba State, stating that it would continue to dissociate itself from people being crowned as Tiv leaders by groups different from the guidelines stipulated by the council.
Meanwhile, the workshop which was anchored on the theme, “Dynamics of Enduring Leadership”, was attended by carefully selected stakeholders, including Traditional Leaders, leadership of Tiv Cultural and Social Association (TCSA) Taraba State, the Clergy, Political appointees, women and youth leaders//
