By Abdullahi M. Gulloma
Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Professor James Ornguga Ayatse, on his selection as Tor Tiv, the paramount ruler of the Tiv people.
Professor Ayatse, a former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, is also the pioneer and immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina state.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President said he believed that Ayatse’s emergence as the paramount ruler of the Tiv people was an affirmation of his strength of character, integrity, and moral authority garnered over the years as a lecturer, erudite scholar and administrator.
While calling all his subjects to rally round the new monarch to make his reign as the 5th Tor Tiv a resounding success, the President urged the paramount ruler to use his revered office as a veritable platform for conflict prevention, peace building and development in the grassroots.
Commending the transparent process leading to the emergence of the royal father after the demise of his predecessor, Alfred Akawe Torkula, the President offered his best wishes to the new monarch as he prepares to ascend the throne of his ancestors.
The President pledged that the present administration would continue to recognise traditional institutions as key partners in progress in finding lasting solutions to sensitive issues in the country.
