The Tiv people of Taraba State under the umbrella of Tiv Cultural and Social Association, on Wednesday appealed to the Taraba State government to ensure that their people who were displaced a year ago by crisis that engulfed the state return to their homes.
This was disclosed by President of the association, James Nungwa, in a media parley with newsmen where he debunked claims been made on behalf of the group, that the body has endorsed Chief David Sabo Kente, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the upcoming polls in the state.
The association’s president noted that over a year ago, the Tiv and Jukuns in their thousands flee their homes as a result of the crisis in the state. He affirmed that, more than 500,000 displaced Tiv people have fled the state and are now staying in open fields and public primary schools in neighbouring states of Benue and Nasarawa. He also urged the state government to declare a state of emergency so they will return back to their homes and as such will not be disenfranchised in the forthcoming polls.
Nungwa, during the press briefing discredited claims by two of its members, elder David Mtuhwem and Atem Ansho that the body on behalf of the Tiv people in the State has endorsed Chief David Sabo Kente , tagging the claim as ‘‘smack of mischief by some people seeking political relevance.’’
He further said the so called endorsement of Chief David Sabo Kente as claimed by two of its members remains their individual opinion and not the collective stand of the entire Tiv people in Taraba State.
The association’s President affirmed that, “Elder David Mtuhwem and Atem Ansho are not leaders of Tiv community as reflected in the media reports. They are not the EXCOs of the Tiv umbrella body or leaders of Tivs in the state. The EXCO of Tiv Cultural and Social Association or the congress has not taken a decision to endorse a particular candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in the state. Atem and his group are only speaking for themselves and for their political interests.”
He further disclosed that the Tiv people in the state cannot be made to follow one party as they are many.
“Though, as individualS, they can decide to support any candidate of their choice, such support should not be construed to mean the collective decision of the Tiv people of Taraba State,” Nungwa disclosed.
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