by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has warned against communal clashes within Benue State, where one community is up-in-arms against another, over land-related issues, calling for peace and a calm environment that will give him a sense of direction and focus to tackle external forces that are up against the state.
Governor Alia also called for peace and harmony amongst individuals and communities in the entire Tivland.
He was speaking on Saturday, while in a Supreme Council Meeting of the Tiv Area Traditional Council (Ijir-Tamen), held at the Council chambers, in Gboko Local Government of Benue State.
According to him, the Tiv community and the entire Benue State has faced unprecedented challenges from external forces, which require them to be “aligned in common goals and intentions” characterized by mutual understanding, cooperation, and a focus to overcome them.
While giving a brief account of his stewardship in leadership, he noted his commitment towards his administration achievements in various sectors, including health, education, agriculture, sports, infrastructure, human capital development, and security, among others.
While (re)affirming that his government is “people-oriented,” Gov Alia stressed that he would “continue to do everything possible to guarantee peace, develop the state, and transform the lives of Benue citizens.”
He called on those, who are aggrieved and not in support of his leadership, to come back and join him so they can work together for the interest of the whole state.
The governor, who sounded tough on insecurity, outlined the role the government of Benue State, in strong collaboration with Federal Government, is playing to end insecurity in Benue State.
He thanked the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued assistance and support in the fight against insecurity in the state, assuring that his administration will not relent until the challenge of insecurity in Benue State is surmounted.
He further explained that, security is a collective concern of all people, and all people must be involved in the fight against insecurity in the state by reporting any suspicious move to the security agencies.
He appreciated the entire Tiv Traditional Council to have chosen him to be their Governor amongst many other worthy citizens, who contested with him.
The governor appealed to the Supreme Council to give him more time in leadership to enable him execute more projects, which will improve quality of life, enhance the economy, and increase opportunities for Benue citizens.
Earlier, the Supreme Council, led by the Tiv Paramount Ruler, Tor Tiv V, His Majesty, Orchivirigh, Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, listened to report on security issues in Tiv Kingdom and advised traditional rulers to watch out for their subjects, who are practicing “unlawful acts,” and report them to appropriate authorities.
The Council warned that there should be no cultivation of Indian Hemp (weed) anywhere in Tiv Kingdom. Traditional rulers were to watch out against this, as any person found cultivating Indian Hemp in Tivland will be arrested and jailed.
The Council warned, again, that no traditional ruler should treat crime with ‘kid gloves’ in their communities. Any traditional ruler, who is found aiding and abetting crime, will be sanctioned immediately.
The Council also received update on cultural reforms earlier approved by the Supreme Council, and a Report on “Bam u Kasev Tiv” – a Loan Scheme aimed at empowering Tiv women to succeed in any trade of their choice.
Update information on Tiv Television – a media platform meant to promote the language and culture of the Tiv people and also showcase activities of the Tiv people to the outside world – was also given.
In attendance at the Supreme Council were: all categories of Tiv Traditional Rulers, Chieftaincy title holders in Tivland, Chairman of local governments in Tivland, some State and National Legislative members in Tivland, political appointees, and other prominent sons and daughters of Tiv.
The Council finally endorsed Governor Alia to continue to govern the State “until 2031.”