Following the intervention of His Royal Majesty, Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule has resolved no longer to sue Prof. Zacharys Gundu, leader of Tiv Professionals, over alleged defamation and libellous comments.
Prof. Gundu, had during a townhall meeting organised by the Newscentral TV recently, accused Governor Sule of providing a safe haven, refuge, and taking the lands of his citizens and giving them to foreign “Fulani” terrorists.
Governor Sule had considered the comments offensive and demanded a retraction, apology, or he would seek redress in court. His counsel, Ahmed Raji, SAN, said the comments by Prof. Gundu describes Engr. Sule “as a sympathiser, protector, and enabler of the armed bandits who have wrecked havoc on Benue State,” calling for retraction and apology or risk litigation.
However, Prof. Gundu, through his Counsel, Chief Sebastine Hon, SAN, Professor of Law Practice rebuffed the Nasarawa State Governor, asking him to go to Court.
Many professional groups and organisations including the Mzehemen U Tiv Foundation (MUTF) in expressing solidarity with Prof. Gundu said they will not remain passive while Prof. Gundu is dragged through the courts for defending his community.
Now, the Mzough U Tiv (MUT), in a statement issued by its President General Chief CP Iorbee Ihagh (Retd), is appealing to “all Tiv sons and daughters, to sheath their swords and cease from making further comments on the matter in the interest of peace.”
“The intervention by the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, has led to a resolution of the matter and a pledge by HE Engr Sule, not to go ahead with his intention to seek legal redress in a Court of law, against Prof Gundu, over the matter.
“Therefore, following the intervention of the Tor Tiv, HRM, Prof James Iorzua Ayatse CFR, and the willingness of HE Engr AA Sule, to withdraw his plan to go to Court over the matter, I wish to appeal to all Tiv sons and daughters, to sheath their swords and cease from making further comments on the matter, in the interest of peace,” part of the statement reads.
Chief Ihagh commended the Nasarawa State Governor for what he described as his “peaceful disposition and agreeing to discontinue the matter, so that peace will prevail.”
