The Tiv Community of Ibi Local Government Area in Taraba State crowned Zaki Japhet Iorapuur Mkar as the first substantive traditional head, Ter Tiv Ibi, on Saturday.
This follows his victory in an open ballot election where he defeated Zaki Akenawe Saameakpe. The election, conducted by eight kingmakers, saw Zaki Mkar receiving 6 votes, while Zaki Akenawe secured 2 votes.
The election process followed a zoning agreement by the elders of the Ichongu and Ipusu clans, which decided to allocate the stool to the Ichongu clan, consisting of four sub-clans: Nonguv, Ihyarev, Ugondu, and Turan.
After the zoning decision, the four clans of Ichongu agreed to conduct the election, with Zaki Mkar, representing the Ugondu clan, emerging victorious.
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The kingmakers explained their decision to support Zaki Mkar, citing the need for fairness in the representation of the clans and maintaining brotherly unity, especially considering that the Nonguv clan already held key political positions in the area.
In his response, Zaki Japhet Mkar expressed gratitude for his victory, attributing it to the will of God. He vowed to work towards fostering unity and development among the Tiv community and other ethnic groups in the local government.
He also commended the Ibi Local Government Chairman, Hon. Iliya Muhammad Ajibu, for creating an enabling environment for the election and his continuous efforts in the development of the area. Zaki Mkar had previously served as the acting Ter Tiv Ibi before his elevation to the substantive position.