Tiv Youth Advancement Vanguard (TYAV) has called on the members of the Benue state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the National Assembly to stop politicising the lingering misunderstanding between the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume and the Tiv traditional council.
The Tiv Area Traditional Council had summoned Senator Akume to appear before it for his alleged uncomplimentary and derogatory remarks against the person and office of the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse.
But TYAV in a statement signed by its convener, Tyohemba Denen Esq, warned the duo of Senator Suswam and Abba Moro who have varying pending corruption cases to concentrate on clearing their names rather than trying to cause disaffection between Senator Akume and the Tiv traditional council.
“We have read with sadness a communiqué signed by all the members of the Benue state PDP caucus of the National Assembly and presented to the press by Senator Abba Moro on the lingering misunderstanding between Senator George Akume and the Tiv traditional council.
“TYAV has enormous respect for the Tiv traditional council led by HRM Professor Ayatse and will not encourage any denigration of the stool. We will not also accept a situation where non tribes man will be recruited to attack a prominent Tiv son. We have however watched with utter consternation how the issue involving the Tor Tiv and Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator Akume has been hijacked by the PDP in the state as can be seen in the press release by the PDP caucus of the National Assembly.
“We have information that the PDP intends to sponsor more protests against Senator Akume to score cheap political goals in the coming days. Tiv Youth Advancement Vanguard condemns very firmly the dragging of the TIV traditional council into the politics of PDP and the recruitment of Senator Abba Morro, a non-tribe member to insult and ridicule a highly respected son of Tiv land, Senator Akume”.
The group wandered why Senator Moro who is not of the Tiv stock would champion a campaign of hate against a Tiv son in matters that is purely tribal, the group urged him to purge himself of his involvement in his Idoma traditional matters.
“We warn Senator Moro to steer clear of issues that basically concern the Tiv people. It is on record that all through the reign of Agabaidu Abraham Ajene Okpabi Och’Idoma II, Senator David Mark never accorded him any respect. He never visited the palace. It is not recorded anywhere that Moro cautioned Senator Mark over this issue either privately or publicly. But today, he has been recruited to attack Senator Akume over an issue that bothers on the Tiv traditional council. Since Moro like addressing press conferences, he should tell same people why Chief Elias Okoyi Obekpa does not attend public functions”, the group said.
