The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has declined to accept the honorific chieftaincy title that the Tiv Area Traditional Council (TATC) approved to confer on him.
Sen. Akume was slated for the conferment of the title Taghertagher-Wan-U-Tiv by the Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, CFR, on Saturday, December 13, in Gboko, the administrative headquarters of the Tiv nation.
It is understood that the SGF is displeased with Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State, who was also scheduled to receive the honorific title of “Asôrtar-U-Tiv.”
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who was conferred with the title “Zegebar-U-Tiv,” stated that he would reconcile the Governor and the SGF.
Both the Governor and the Tor Tiv sued for peace, with the Tor Tiv emphasizing the need for unity. However, the traditional ruler noted that no single individual is greater than the Tiv Nation and Benue State.
Fr. Alia, who received his chieftaincy title alongside 17 others, urged those who are at odds with him to sheath their swords and join hands with him to develop the state.
He dedicated the honor “to the good people of Benue State and the Tiv Nation, whose trust and support continue to inspire our shared commitment to service, unity, and progress.”
