Benue: Akume opens up, denies insulting Tor Tiv



Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, has denied allegations that he insulted the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse and the Tiv area traditional council.

The response by the minister is coming barley two months after it was reported that he had insulted the Tor Tiv by calling him Tor Parti (partisan king) at his birthday festivity on December 27, 2019.

Speaking at the wedding reception in honor of the Tiv paramount ruler’s son, Dr. Fanen Ortese Ayatse, at the IBB Square in Makurdi, Akume said he did not insult the Tor Tiv and would not dare such a thing, considering his background as someone whose family has produced a traditional ruler of high status.

The senator, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the occasion, said as a prominent son of Tiv nation, he perfectly understood the culture and traditions of the Tiv people and would therefore not do such a thing or encourage anyone with such intent to go ahead in doing what he said is tantamount to sacrilege; knowing that the consequences will be devastating.

He pleaded with the Tor Tiv, Professor Ayatse not to take the allegations serious.

The minister urged Tor Tiv to put everything behind and see him as a respectful and obedient son of the land, who is ready to accord him the respect he and other traditional rulers deserve.

He said politics was over and that there was need for the people to come together to forge a common front, devoid of acrimony and to build the state.

“I come from a royal family and would not at any point in time show disrespect to traditional institution.

“Those behind the allegation that I insulted the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse at a public function, are lying and that is their mere imagination.

“I am assuring the Tor Tiv of a cordial relationship and respect at all times. I remain his subject and he is free to call on me at anytime as a father for advise anytime I go wrong. It is his exclusive right and he needs nobody to do that on his behalf,” Akume explained.

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