Nasarawa, Tiv elders authenticate new TIDA leadership

Elders of Tiv community of Nasarawa state, have endorsed the authentic new leadership of Tiv Development Association, TIDA, in the state, shutting down those parading themselves as the association’s new leaders.

The Tiv elders made their position known through their spokesmen, Chief Amba Hyou and Zaki Solomon Akulo, representatives at an extra-ordinary congress meeting of the Tiv community at Ibuan, Obi Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking at the event, the Environment and Natural Resources Commissioner in Nasarawa state, Gabriel Akaaka has tasked the new leadership of Tiv Development Association, TIDA, led by Mr. Bernard Kyeghna to do everything humanly possible to enhance unity and peaceful coexistence amongst the Tiv people and their neighbors.

He gave the charge while speaking at an extra-ordinary congress meeting of the association held at Ibuan, Obi Local Local Government Area of the state at the weekend.

The commissioner noted that development could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and unity; hence, the new leadership must work towards uniting the people for the interest of peace and development of the community and the state as a whole.

Akaaka, who commended the development strides of the governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura-led administration in the state, pointed out that the construction of massive roads across the state has directly benefitted the Tiv community as the now transport their farm produce to the urban areas with ease.

“I want to call on you live in peace with one another and to support the government of Umaru Tanko Al-Makura so as to benefit more dividends of democracy.”

“I also call on you to support the new leadership of TIDA, led by Mr. Bernard Kyeghna as TIDA President and Comrade Peter Ahemb as the new President of Tiv Youth Organization to enable them succeed.”

Also speaking one of the commissioners in the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission, Mr. Mike Ato noted that the time had come for the Tiv people to unite and chart a common cause, stressing that Mr. Benard Kyeghna and Comrade Peter Ahemba were the recongnised Presidents of TIDA and TYO respectively and enjoined them to disregard those parading themselves as the new Tiv leaders in the state.

Earlier the new TIDA President, Mr. Bernard Kyeghna and his youth counterpart, Comrade Peter Ahemba both appreciated the Tiv community for the mandate to serve and pledged to do their best in ensuring the peace, unity and progress of the community.

Our correspondent reports that the meeting was also attended by a former commissioner for youths and sports in the state, Mr. Godwin Mbatsav, state All Progressives Congress, APC chaieftain, Mr. Jacob Achagh, and Hon. Emmanuel Uselegh and elder statesman and George Zauka, among other prominent Tiv sons and daughters in the state.

Augustin Kuza, Lafia