By Timothy Hembaor
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar does not qualify to still be regarded as the Zege Mule u Tiv, an honorific title bestowed on him by the Tiv Traditional Council some years ago.The reason for our stand is unambiguous. By his actions and utterances which tend to hurt our people and amount to spitting on the graves of victims of Fulani herders attacks in our state, Atiku has desecrated the chieftaincy title and therefore does not merit being addressed as such any further.
The Zege Mule u Tiv means the shelter of the Tiv. It is a title that puts the holder in a unique and special position of being a canopy of protection to Tiv interests. And Atiku Abubakar has publicly proclaimed that he is VERY ANGRY with Governor Samuel Ortom the Governor of Benue state, the defender of the Benue Valley and the Tiv nation. He falsely accused the Governor of profiling the Fulani as killers in Nigeria; and that it is personal to him because he is a Fulani man.
This is very definitive. The Fulani massacre against the Tiv has been the most important defining issue of Samuel Ortom’s governance in Benue state. It is possible that the Tiv would have been annihilated if Samuel Ortom had not provided a robust defence of the state.
It would appear we are running away from Fulani hegemony and Atiku Abubakar represents what is after our very soul. By the nature of his utterances, he has given out notice that he is not happy with our governor. You may be correct to feel that this is a despicable way for a presidential candidate to conduct himself but we have to thank God almighty that we have been forewarned. To be forewarned is to be forearmed and the only sensible thing is to distance ourselves from Atiku Abubakar before it is too late.
It will be quite significant if the honorific title is taken away from him because the man has given notice that he will not be useful to us but will sustain the pogrom against us if he wins the presidency.
It is also a fact that the Fulani have been invincible because of the support from the present presidency and we will be condemned for the worst treatment if we ignore the red flag from Atiku.
At best, our defender will be in the senate and the next governor may not have the zeal to stick out his neck to defend us like the present governor. Is it not surprising that for how long this crisis has lasted, Atiku Abubakar has never ever sent a word of condolence to the people and government of Benue state.
And he considers us in Benue state fair game. In less than six months to an election,a candidate takes such a position. It clearly shows he has no value for our votes and we must not be party to such subterfuge. A word is enough for the wise.
Hembaor, is the
President General,
Tiv Youth Organization TYO,
Worldwide
