The spokesperson of Tiv Traditional Council (TTC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, HRP, Dr. Ioryina Clement Ioryina, the Ter Gwagwalada Area Council (GAC) has appealed to Tiv nation to boycott the impending nationwide protest.
Dr. Ioryina who made this assertion in Abuja emphasised that Tiv people have consistently being treated most unfairly as sacrificial lambs amidst the turmoil, citing historical examples of protests where “TYO I TIV” suffered significant losses of life and property over the years.
He said, “these include the Herders and Farmer crisis of the Buhari administration for eight years both home and across the states of the federal without any intervention from the apex of government.
“Recall that, it was only the immediate past Governor of Benue State, His Excellency (HE), Dr. Samuel Ortom who single handedly fought the Buhari Government as reported by media houses in Nigeria as well as international spares “
Dr. Ioryina pointed out that “First and foremost, the prevailing security challenges in the country generally pose insurmountable obstacles to the safe conduct of protests and riots.
“In recognition of this reality in the country, any nationwide protest or strike scheduled within the nation is uncalled for, and unacceptable during this perilous time.
“With a clear directive that Tiv people in the FCT will not partake in the planned protest, the TTC-FCT spokes person, loryina further maintain that to enforce such protests risks exacerbating of the existing security dilemmas in the nation, creating opportunities for criminal and external agents for detractors to exploit unnecessary situation that could incite and ignite further chaos within communities of our nation. He noted that it is in the best interest of all concerned citizens to refrain from organizing any protests within the FCT that could curse disunity, ‘he stated.
“However, the fear of the Tiv’s, Igbos, Yorubas and other ethnics community will once again be perceived as sacrificial lambs in the planned nationwide protests which we hope is our legitimate concern to desists from it.”
Dr. Clement has then called on Tiv nation in the FCT and beyond to boycott the looming protests for peace and development in order to maintain peace, safety and security of Nigerian citizenry.
“We the Tiv Traditional Council, Abuja FCT wants to succinctly state that, we are not a party to the imminent planned nationwide protest.
“We therefore, call on Tiv community residing in the FCT, especially the youth to remain calm not to be part of the protest and avoid being used by miscreant and groups that do not mean well for our country Nigeria.
“Let me quotes General Yakubu Gowon as saying that, “We fought for ONE Nigeria and shall go on with ONE NIGERIA.”
“We graciously make this declaration as part of our SOLIDARITY to the Secretary to the government of the Federation (SGF), Senator (Dr.) George Akume, by the TTC, Abuja-FCT.”
(1.) Zaki Joseph Iorliam Ane, JP, Tiv leader, Abuja FCT
(2.) HRH ADzenda Beagha, JP, Chairman TTC, Abuja
(3.) Dr. Senwua
(4.) Dr. Sende
(5.) Bishop (Professor) Joseph Vambe, President, International Christian Organization for Sustainable development (ICOSD)
(6.) Christie Mlan
(7.) Zaki Emmanuel Haaga
(8.) Zaki (Chief) Donald Iorchir, Ortar Chukuku, Kuje Area Council, Abuja-FCT > (Sponsors).
“We vehemently disassociate with the 1st August 2024, nationwide planned protest by some faceless individuals.”