Taraba Tiv traditional leaders enraged over call for removal of President
Gaius Jeff, Jalingo
The Tiv Traditional Leaders’ Council Taraba State, has expressed displeasure over the purpoted vote of no confidence passed by the Ucha-sub Clan of Ukum against Chief James Baka, the President General of the Tiv Cultural and Social Association, TCSA Taraba State
At a press conference organized in Jalingo, the leaders vehemently rejected the move, describing it as unconstitutional, baseless and a deliberate attempt to destabilize the unity of the Tiv people of Taraba State
Reading the text of the press conference on behalf of the leaders, Zaki David Gbaa Tella, the (Gum Begha U Tiv Taraba I) and Chairman, Tiv Traditional Leaders’ Council Taraba State, stated that the so-called vote of no confidence was a joke taken too far
“As the custodians of Tiv Culture and tradition, we wish to state unequivocally that no single clan or sub-clan has the authority to unilaterally remove the President General of TCSA. The Ucha-sub Clan lacks such powers and their action is not recognized by the Tiv traditional leadership
“We strongly warn against any attempt to undermine the peace efforts of our Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas and we will not allow individuals with selfish interest to derail the collective progress of the Tiv people”. He stated
The chairman further debunked the allegation that Chief James Chihi Baka was responsible for Chieftaincy dispute in Wukari and Ibi, explaining that the selection of Tiv Traditional Leaders in those areas followed due process and was conducted by kingmakers in accordance with Tiv customs
He said the claim that Baka violated traditional representation in TCSA Elder statesmen Committee was misleading and unfounded.
“His administration has remained inclusive and fair to all factions within the Tiv Cultural structure”. He added
While commending the all inclusive governance of Dr Agbu Kefas, Zaki David Gbaa Tella JP noted that under the governor’s administration, many Tiv sons and daughters had been appointed to key government positions, reflecting his commitment to fairness and unity
He reaffirm the commitment of the Tiv traditional leaders Council to a united and inclusive Tiv leadership, and urged all Tiv people to remain steadfast in promoting peace and rejecting any divisive agenda, adding that those attempting to divide the Tiv people of the state would not succeed
Meanwhile, the leaders, had earlier in the day, officially inaugurated the Tiv traditional central leaders of Ibi, Wukari and Karim- Lamido, with Zaki Japheth Mkar as the Central traditional leader of Tiv in Ibi, Zaki John Aondonengen Ikyo for Wukari and Zaki Stephen Ligom for Karim-Lamido respectively
