Benue/Nasarawa peace committee: Governor Sule solicits support from traditional rulers

Following the directive by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for Benue and Nasarawa States to constitute a peace committee with a view to addressing the prevailing insecurity in the two states, Governor Abdullahi Sule has solicited for the support of traditional rulers towards resolving the crisis along border communities.

Governor Sule made the call during a meeting with traditional rulers from across the state, which was held at the Government House on Friday.

According to the Governor, the traditional rulers, particularly those from the neighbouring areas of Doma, Keana, and Obi, better understood the situation involving neighbours that have been living together for generations.

While using the opportunity to inform the traditional rulers on the outcome of the stakeholders meeting in Makurdi, where President Tinubu gave the marching order for the constitution of a peace committee, Governor Sule said he is relying on the royal fathers because they are more familiar with the issue regarding the dispute involving Tiv farmers.

“The reason why I am reporting this is because I am going to rely on you, especially our royal fathers at the borders. You are more familiar with these issues than myself. I said before that these issues were there long before I became a Governor, not even before I was born. I will plead with you Osuko of Obi, Andoma of Doma, Osana of Keana, and the Sarkin Giza to support me towards resolving this dispute,” he stated.

He emphasized that his administration would do everything possible to see that the Tiv people in Nasarawa State coexist peacefully with other ethnic groups along the Benue border.

“My role as a Governor is to try and see how they continue to live in peace and unity. I have come and met these people who have been living for generations before me. They were living for generations before I was even born. I am not the one to create any tension between them,” he said.

The Governor commended President Tinubu for his wisdom in stressing that Nigerians are free to live in any part of the country without fear of discrimination.

“You are aware of the visit of Mr. President to Benue State three days ago. Mr. President was there because of the situation in Yelwata, where close to 200 persons were killed. We ended up having a meeting of the major stakeholders in Makurdi.

“During the meeting, a lot of issues were brought up. The Tor Tiv was very strong in his statement. And I am happy with the way the President doused the tension. Because the Tor Tiv came up very strong that his people who are indigenes of Nasarawa, their lands are being taken away, and they are being called non indigenes in Nasarawa State. He was pleading with the President to make sure they came and got their land back in Nasarawa State. The President was categorical that his administration will not condone conflicts around indigenes or non indigenes, stressing that people should be free to move around the country,” he added.

He pointed out that, even though and contrary to the claims by the Tor Tiv, traditional rulers from Nasarawa State domiciling in the affected areas have different stories to recount.

“I think the Tor Tiv has every right to feel they way he feels because people go to him to report the matters to him. The same thing with our traditional rulers because people come to them to tell them about what is happening,” he said.

Governor Sule equally used the opportunity of the meeting to address issues pertaining to medical allowances of traditional rulers, guest houses, vehicles for third-class traditional rulers, as well as efforts to immortalise the name of the late Osu Ajiri, amongst other issues.

He particularly commended the traditional rulers for their continued support and prayers, which is repositioning Nasarawa State for greater things in the country.

“I think this support that you continue to give is adding so much value to our state, and it is also making our state extremely attractive. Constantly, I am receiving diplomats. This morning , I received two requests, one from the Ambassador of Angola, who wanted to visit us to discuss prospects, opportunities, and investments in our state. The other one is the Nigerian/Isreali chamber, which has shown great interest in coming to Nasarawa State to explore opportunities in mining and agriculture. All these are happening because of your support and kind words, your prayers,” he said.

Earlier, in an opening remarks, Chairman, Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs and Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad III (rtd), announced a vote of confidence passed by traditional rulers in the state on Governor Sule for his sterling leadership.

“Thank you for the leadership that you have continued to provide to our state. We are here again to pass a vote of confidence on the leadership of the state and to encourage you to continue with this good work that you are doing for our people.

“It is indeed a thing of pride to us to have you there. You have justified all our thinking, all our desire, that our son at the helm of affairs thinks differently. We thank God, and we have seen it. This is to say that we are really encouraged that you have really shown that from us that you came and that we can provide the best,” the royal father said.

The monarch however made case for the prompt payment of annual medical allowances to enable traditional rulers access healthcare, vehicles for third-class traditional rulers, as well as looking into the initiative of building guest houses for them in Lafia.