society
Chief Of Takum: Dear Tarabans, The Right Time Is Now! By Oluwatosin Alex
*Chief Of Takum: Dear Tarabans, The Right Time Is Now! By Oluwatosin Alex
Since 1996, after the demise of the last Ukwe Takum Ali Kufang, there have been several crises regarding the appointment of a first class chief in Takum. There has been absolutely no government or administration that was able to resolve the crisis and successfully appoint a replacement. In other words, the stool of the paramount ruler of Takum has been vacant for 28 years.
The immediate past government of Darius Ishaku attempted to create a solution to the more than two decades chieftaincy crisis but it was met by great opposition among the ethnic groups in Takum local government. Just like every other administration, the crisis was unable to be resolved till the expiration of the former governor’s tenure.
Meanwhile, the absence of a paramount ruler in Takum has prevented meaningful development from happening in the region. The people of Takum have needs to be met, the region ought to have become a major development trailblazer in Taraba state but the unavailability of an authority in the grassroot has continued to rob the people off what they truly deserve.
Traditional rulers are an integral part of any government, they are not the stooges of governors; rather, they serve as intermediaries between the government and the grassroot people. They can be described as the bridge that connects the government and the people. Apart from their functions as a bridge, they are also responsible for the maintenance of peace and order, they settle disputes and ensure there is harmony in their communities. Therefore, the absence of any traditional ruler, regardless of the class, would definitely have an adverse effect on the people in the grassroot. A community void of a traditional ruler cannot be immune against ethnicity crisis, insecurity, under-development, mismanagement of resources, to mention but a few.
In recognition of the need for a traditional ruler especially in Takum since the demise of the last Ukwe Takum, governors that have emerged in Taraba state have tried to make sure another paramount ruler is installed for the major purpose of development and progress in the region. Of course, some of these governors didn’t handle the process well during their tenures but the current governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has done more than anyone would do to peacefully resolve the chieftaincy crisis in Takum.
Over the years, the major tribes in Takum namely Jukun, Chamba and Kuteb have always been the ones opposing the installation of a new Ukwe Takum and in a way to appease them, Governor Agbu Kefas through the state assembly approved the creation of three third-class chiefdoms and one first-class rotational stool between the tribes of Chamba, Jukun, and the Kuteb.
To make the process of selection transparent, Governor Agbu Kefas through the office of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs called for a meeting to select who occupies the newly created chiefdoms which the Kuteb-speaking tribe declined to attend.
The Commissioner for Information and Reorientation Zainab Usman revealed that the Takum traditional kingmakers have graciously accepted two persons to occupy the two stools of Chamba and Jukun Takum which necessitated government approval.
”The appointments of the following third class chiefs have been approved by the Governor, they are HRH Uhwe Bala Ephraim as 3rd class chief (Tsohon Jukun Takum) HRH Barr Sopiya Ahmadu Gboshi III as third class chief ( Gar Chamba Takum),” he said.
The kuteb appears to be the only tribe that isn’t satisfied with the arrangement of a rotational first class traditional ruler among the major tribes and third class chiefs. According to Chief Emmanuel Ukwen, Chairman of The Kutep Yatso of Nigeria (KYN), a social cultural group for the Kuteb people of Taraba State, the seat of Ukwe was ancestral inheritance and so could not be shared with non-Kuteb people as being contemplated by the state government.
While it is understandable that the stool of Ukwe Takum has never been shared with non-kuteb people, there is also the need to know that there is no sacrifice too big or much for peace. The Kuteb leadership is focused on the status quo too much, forgetting that everyone, every tribe needs to be carried along for a peaceful co-existence when it comes to leadership.
For decades, Takum has greatly suffered due to the kind of opposition being fielded by the leadership of Kuteb and for how long will the region remain under-developed because of one tribe? The government is making efforts to restore normalcy in Takum and it won’t speak well if one tribe out of three is sabotaging the government’s efforts.
Takum has been given several opportunities to return to its glory days but they were not utilized. Governor Agbu Kefas has gone the extra mile to create another chance for the people, Tarabas should not allow the Kuteb tribe to sabotage this opportunity again. It is time to support the governor to put an end to this long-decade chieftaincy crisis.
“The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.”
society
HIGH CHIEF CHETACHI NWOGA-ECTON HONOURED BY IMO STATE HAUSA, IGBO AND YORUBA COMMUNITIES, EMPOWERS THE UNDERPRIVILEGED WITH CASH GIFTS AND TOOLS
*HIGH CHIEF CHETACHI NWOGA-ECTON HONOURED BY IMO STATE HAUSA, IGBO AND YORUBA COMMUNITIES, EMPOWERS THE UNDERPRIVILEGED WITH CASH GIFTS AND TOOLS
An atmosphere of joy and celebration filled Owerri Municipal as High Chief Chetachi NWOGA-ECTON — Adaure, Ada Imo and Uwar Marayu of the Northern Community in Imo State — led her team from Abuja to Owerri for a humanitarian outreach empowerment programme tagged Mission of Mercy.
The outreach, organized under the auspices of the When In Need Foundation and the All Life Matters Humanitarian Foundation, saw the distribution of cash gifts and skill acquisition equipment worth millions of naira to underprivileged and vulnerable members of the Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba communities in Owerri Municipal.
The event was hosted by HRH Alhaji Baba Suleiman, Sarkin Hausawa of the Northern Community in Imo State. He was joined by the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Dr. E. C. Okeke, CFR, who was represented by HRH Eze Engr. Fredrick Nwachukwu, Deputy Chairman of the Owerri Zone Council of Traditional Rulers. Also present was the host traditional ruler, HRH Eze Austine Possible Uche of Owerri Municipal.
Other royal fathers in attendance included HRH Eze Dr. Clinton Uboegbulam of Umuororonjo, HRH Eze Peter Njemanze of Amawom, HRH Eze Kelvin Tochukwu Ihebom of Umuihugba-Umuodu Communities, and HRH Alhaji Oba Musibau Aladeji, the Oba of the Yoruba Community in Imo State. The Chief Imam of Owerri Central Mosque, Alhaji Barr. Suleiman Njoku, was also present.
Dignitaries at the occasion included Alhaji Ibrahim Saley, former Secretary of the Imo State Muslim Pilgrimage Board; Alhaji Hassan Babidi, former Special Adviser on Northern Affairs under Governor Emeka Ihedioha; Alhaji Ibrahim Suleiman Ibrahim, Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Northern Affairs; and Hajiya Fatima Hamza, Special Adviser on Northern Women Affairs, Gender and the Vulnerable, among others.
A special appearance was made by Yahaya Moh’d Kyabo Fagge, FCIML (USA), Dan Darman Jiwa Wakilin Sarkin of Jiwa Ward in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He offered prayers and words of encouragement to High Chief Chetachi NWOGA-ECTON, praising her extensive humanitarian services which, he noted, have impacted many communities across Northern Nigeria and beyond. He further described her as an adopted daughter of his emirate, acknowledging her significant contributions to the Jiwa community.
Speaking through his representative, HRM Eze Dr. E. C. Okeke, CFR commended the philanthropist’s numerous good works, noting that they justified the traditional recognition conferred upon her by the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers.
In his goodwill message, Alhaji Ibrahim Saley cited verses from the Qur’an, highlighting examples of individuals who used their wealth to uplift the poor and were rewarded by Allah. He encouraged her to remain steadfast in her humanitarian service.
While distributing the items and cash gifts, High Chief Chetachi NWOGA-ECTON expressed deep appreciation to the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba communities for honouring her with the traditional title “Uwar Marayu,” meaning “Mother of Orphans.”
She thanked HRM Eze Dr. E. C. Okeke, CFR, whom she described as a father figure, as well as other traditional rulers who graced the occasion.
She reflected on her humble beginnings, recalling a personal vow she made to God while struggling to survive as a street hawker — that if blessed with wealth, she would dedicate her resources to serving humanity. She expressed gratitude to God that the vision has become a reality through programmes such as the Mission of Mercy.
In his closing remarks, the host, HRH Alhaji Baba Suleiman, appreciated High Chief Chetachi NWOGA-ECTON for her generosity towards the less privileged in his community. He recounted how, after consultations with his cabinet, the council resolved to honour her with the title “Uwar Marayu” in recognition of her selfless service.
According to him, in appreciation of the honour bestowed upon her, the philanthropist provided financial support running into millions of naira, which was used to procure skill acquisition equipment and grants for traders and vulnerable individuals.
Items distributed included sewing machines, barbing kits, salon tools, and wheelbarrows. Beneficiaries also received food items such as 50 kg bags of rice and garri, cartons of noodles, loaves of bread, and other essential supplies.
The Mission of Mercy outreach not only strengthened unity among the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba communities in Imo State but also reaffirmed High Chief Chetachi NWOGA-ECTON’s commitment to humanitarian service and community development.
Only Fools Assume They Can Fight the State Like El-Rufai Did — Ope Banwo
Public affairs commentator Ope Banwo has described as “strategic folly” the assumption that a former political office holder can openly confront the Nigerian state without consequences.
Banwo made the remarks while analysing the recent detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, which he said underscores the imbalance between individual ambition and institutional power.
“Only fools believe they can challenge the state the way El-Rufai did and continue life as usual,” Banwo stated. “The Nigerian state is not a debating club.”
He noted that El-Rufai repeatedly made grave allegations against government institutions on national platforms, including claims of conspiracies and surveillance, without publicly providing evidence. According to Banwo, such statements, whether true or not, inevitably provoke a response from authorities determined to maintain control.
Banwo explained that when a former official challenges state authority, it is often interpreted not as dissent but as defiance. “The state reacts to defiance, not arguments,” he said.
He further argued that El-Rufai appeared to overestimate his political backing, assuming that his past influence would shield him from institutional action. “That assumption collapsed the moment power called his bluff,” Banwo added.
According to him, the involvement of agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Department of State Services illustrates how swiftly the machinery of state can move once a decision is made.
Banwo also highlighted the public’s muted reaction as a crucial lesson. “There were no mass protests. That silence shows the difference between perceived influence and real leverage,” he said.
He stressed that political power in Nigeria is sustained by active control of institutions, not by reputation. “Once you lose the levers, your bravado becomes a liability,” Banwo noted.
He concluded that El-Rufai’s experience should caution other former power brokers against mistaking visibility for authority. “Fighting the state without power is not courage; it is miscalculation,” he said.
society
GENERAL BULAMA BIU APPLAUDS SUCCESSFUL APC CONGRESSES, URGES NEW EXECUTIVES TO FOCUS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE
GENERAL BULAMA BIU APPLAUDS SUCCESSFUL APC CONGRESSES, URGES NEW EXECUTIVES TO FOCUS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE
Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu (Rtd), mni, Sarkin Yakin Biu, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected Ward and Local Government Executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the successful conduct of the party congresses across Borno State.
In a statement he personally issued to mark this significant milestone, General Biu commended the peaceful and well-organized nature of the congresses, highlighting them as a testament to the unity, maturity, and democratic spirit that characterize the APC. He praised the leadership, stakeholders, and dedicated members of the party for their commitment and discipline, which contributed to the smooth and credible outcome of the elections.
Addressing the newly elected executives, Biu emphasized that their victory is not just an honor, but a mandate for greater service, responsibility, and sacrifice. “Our party faithful look up to you to help shape leadership choices that are credible, experienced, and deeply committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to our people,” he stated, urging them to work sincerely and fairly to strengthen the party at the grassroots level.
He called upon the new leaders to promote unity among members and support good governance to ensure the continued progress of Borno State and the nation as a whole.
In closing, Major General Biu assured the new executives of his unwavering support and extended his best wishes for their tenure, wishing everyone a prosperous and blessed Ramadan.
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
society5 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING