by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Yusufu Turaki Foundation (YTF) has held its first Followship Conference on Thursday, at the ECWA Theological Seminary, Farin Gada, in the city of Jos, with the theme: ‘Politics, Land and Ethnic Nationalities in Nigeria: The Plateau Experience.’
While speaking during the event, Chairman of the occasion, retired Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, noted that, “Politics is all about land, and there is the need to keep our land; and there is the need to live together and stay together, not to live in pieces.”
He was represented by Rev Prof. Bauta Motty, who observed that, “The issue of land is very wonderful; leadership is about 3 things: two major are land and followers, and then members.
“Evil became powerful when good became very fearless; unless good became powerful and evil becomes fearless, speak the truth with strength. They call us ‘minority tribes.’ See a brother fighting a brother because of our minority mindset. That is why we are still where we are.
“We must have the ability to protect our land. What attachment do we have on our land? Land carries the history and it gives the people the voice; and, if you are voiceless, you don’t have a land in the National Assembly,” Gen Agwai stressed.
He observed that, “When you have a land, you have an identity; but when you don’t have a land, you losses value.”
Speaking earlier, the Registrar of the Foundation, Pastor Yakubu Samuel Nzee, said, “Nigeria is a country of diverse cultures, languages, and traditions – stands at the crossroads of history where the forces of politics, the significance of land, and the depth of ethnic identities converge.
“Our nation’s journey has been marked by challenges and successes, and understanding the interconnection of politics, land, and ethnic nationalities is paramount for charting a course towards a united and prosperous future.
“In the realm of politics, Nigeria went through the complexities of governance, transitions between military and civilian rule, and the ever-evolving quest for political representation.”
The retired General noted that, “We come together to engage in thoughtful discourse on how political dynamics shape our collective destiny, influence policies, and pact the lives of every Nigeria citizen.
“Our ethnic nationalities, numbering over 250, contribute to the multiplicity of Nigeria’s identity,” he stated.