The Tiv Traditional Council in Taraba State on Saturday stated that it would hand over any impostor parading himself as a traditional leader to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
Zaki David Gbaa, the Gun Begha U Tiv and Chairman of the Taraba State Tiv Traditional Council, disclosed this decision during the coronation of the Ter Wukari, Ter Ibi, and Ter Karim-Lamido local governments in Jalingo.
Zaki Gbaa condemned the actions of individuals claiming to be traditional leaders without the recognition of the Tiv Traditional Council or the Tiv Cultural and Social Association in Taraba State.
Describing such individuals as impostors, he urged them to desist, warning that such actions could create unrest. He emphasized that those found guilty would be handed over to security agencies.
Tribune Online reports that the Taraba State Tiv Traditional Council coronated Zaki John Aondona Ikyo as Ter Wukari, Zaki Japhet Iorapuu Mkar as Ter Ibi, and Zaki Calvin Torligyom as Ter Karim-Lamido.
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The Tiv Traditional Council in Taraba also passed a vote of confidence in the President-General of the Tiv Cultural and Social Association, Chief James Baka. It dismissed a publication by a group claiming to be the Ucha-Sub Clan of Ukum, describing it as the handiwork of mischief-makers attempting to create unrest among the Tiv people in the state.
“The Tiv Traditional Council of Taraba State categorically rejects the purported vote of no confidence passed by the Ucha-Sub Clan of Ukum against the President-General of the Tiv Cultural and Social Association (TCSA), Chief James Chihi Baka. We consider this move unconstitutional, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to destabilize the unity of the Tiv people.
“We also call on individuals parading themselves as traditional leaders in certain local governments without the authority of the Tiv Traditional Council in Taraba to desist or face prosecution by security agencies.
“As custodians of Tiv culture and tradition, we state unequivocally that no single clan or sub-clan has the authority to unilaterally remove the President-General of the TCSA. The Ucha-Sub Clan lacks such powers, and their action is not recognized by the Tiv traditional leadership.
“The so-called vote of no confidence is a joke taken too far. We warn those attempting to create confusion within the Tiv leadership to desist from such an unthinkable act. The public should disregard this baseless claim, as it is an orchestrated attempt by unscrupulous elements seeking to sow division and disrupt peace among the Tiv people.
“The Council also debunks allegations that Chief Baka was responsible for the chieftaincy disputes in Wukari and Ibi Local Government Areas.
“We want to make it clear that the selection of Tiv traditional leaders in these areas followed due process and was conducted by kingmakers in accordance with Tiv customs.
“We take this opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering support for Governor Agbu Kefas, whose leadership has been inclusive and beneficial to the Tiv people. We warn against any attempt to undermine the governor’s peace efforts, as we will not allow individuals with selfish interests to derail the collective progress of the Tiv people,” Zaki Gbaa stated.
Speaking on behalf of the newly coronated traditional leaders, the Ter Karim-Lamido, Zaki Calvin Torligyom, called for cooperation to build unity among the Tiv people in Taraba.
The newly coronated traditional leaders pledged to ensure fairness and peace in their domains, without discrimination based on clan affiliation.
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