Don’t resort to litigation, Akume appeals to Tor Tiv stool contestants

The All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Benue State and the Senator representing the Benue North-East senatorial district, Dr George Akume, has appealed to contestants for the Tor Tiv stool in the last exercise not to resort to litigation.

He made the appeal at Saint Christopher’s Parish Wannune, during a thanksgiving mass to mark his 63rd birthday today.

The former Governor disclosed that the incumbent, Samuel Ortom and himself, had resolved to appeal to the contestants to accept the selection in good faith in the collective interest of the Tiv people.

The legislator stated that as a sign of his support for the selection of Professor James Ayatse as Tor Tiv the fifth, he had made his Gboko residence available for the paramount ruler to occupy until the completion of the renovation of his palace.

Senator Akume, who was accompanied by his wife, Regina, expressed appreciation to God for his elevation in life, and promised that he would use his position to promote unity, peace and progress in the land.

He explained that Governor Ortom was represented at the mass by his special adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Honourable Titus Zam because he had told him that the event would to be low key.

In his sermon, Parish Priest, Reverend Father Titus Ashwe, described the celebrant as a special gift to the people, who has touched uncountable lives as well as various religious denominations, besides his contributions to the development of the state and Nigeria.

He urged the celebrant to forgive anyone who may have offended him in the course of his life and move on.

It will be recalled that former Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Professor James Ayatse was recently selected by the Tiv traditional councils as the Tor Tiv the fifth out of about 20 contestants.