The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State yesterday expressed profound disappointment over the reported endorsement of Governor Hyacinth Alia for a second term by the Supreme Assembly of Tiv Traditional Rulers led by the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse in Gboko at the weekend.
The party said the partisan outlook of the monarchs, which is suppose to act as a ‘father to all aspirants’ “represents a grave departure from the sacred neutrality and moral authority expected of the traditional institution”.
The apex traditional authority of the Tiv nation, known in local parlance as ‘Ijir Tamen’, on Saturday, during its meeting, presided over by the Tor Tiv Prof. Ayatse, openly endorsed Governor Alia for a second term come 2027 as governor of the state.
At the meeting, the traditional rulers warned against the cultivation of Indian hemp (weed) anywhere in Tiv land as anyone caught would be arrested and jailed; treatment of crime with kid gloves in their communities in order not to risk sanctions. It also received updates on cultural reforms earlier approved by the Supreme Council, and report on a loan scheme aimed at empowering Tiv women to succeed in any trade of their choice among others issues.
Governor Alia who was present at the meeting, called for peace and harmony amongst individuals and communities in Tiv land.
He sai the Tiv community and the entire Benue State has faced unprecedented challenges from external forces which require them to be aligned in common goals and intentions characterized by mutual understanding, cooperation, and a focus to overcome them.
The Governor accepted the endorsement gesture and expressed his profound gratitude to the Council for pushing for his second term mandate, saying the gesture “is both humbling and deeply inspiring”.
“It represents an overwhelming vote of confidence in my leadership, integrity, and the transformative strides already being witnessed across the state under my administration”.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula, appreciated the Ijir Tamen for identifying and acknowledging the tremendous work he has done so far in transforming Benue on the path of development, peace, and prosperity.
He said he will not renege from his covenant with people of the state including to rebuild, renew and restore Benue with transparency, equity, and compassion.
“This endorsement by the Tiv Supreme Council reaffirms the unity, wisdom, and foresight of our revered traditional institution”.
But the PDP, in a swift reaction via its State Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor, condemned the endorsement as “a moment of great sadness, shame, breach of tradition, distortion of values, and a signal that calls for sober reflection among our elders and custodians of culture”.
“This development represents a grave departure from the sacred neutrality and moral authority expected of the traditional institution.
“The Tor Tiv, by virtue of his exalted throne, is regarded as a father to all, not a political campaigner or partisan actor. His duty is to unite, guide, and preserve the dignity of the Tiv nation, not to take sides with aspirants.
“By openly endorsing a sitting governor, the revered stool has been drawn into the murky waters of politics. Such conduct, if left unchecked, risks defiling the sanctity of the throne and eroding the trust, reverence, and moral weight that the Tiv traditional institution has commanded for generations.
The party recalled that the Tor Tiv had recently in Kwande local government, made public remarks that clearly tilted towards partisanship, but it remained silent
The PDP implored the traditional institution not to reduced its integrity to a political instrument in the hands of the APC or any political organisation whatsoever, but stay away from partisanship and restore the impartiality and integrity of the traditional institution.
